Functional and societal importance of biogenic reefs and the role of MPAs in their conservation

Sanderson, W.G.

Background

• 17 years in government agencies

• marine ecologist / monitoring specialist

• Spp & habs of nature conservation importance

• biogenic structures

• lagoons

• habs that support higher predators

2

Current research interests

•Ecology, biodiversity, monitoring & societal benefits of:

• MPAs

• Habs of nature conservation importance• complex habs • Eg shellfish reefs• PMFs

Past work

• Lindenbaum et al., JMBA 2008 • Rees et al., JMBA 2008 • Sanderson et al., JMBA 2008

Unimpacted (2007 - 2009)

Impacted (2008 & 2009)

2007

20072007

20072007

20072007

2007

2007

2007

2008

2008

2008

2008

2008

2008

2008

20082008

2008

2008

2008

2008

2008

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

20092009

2009

2009

2009

2D Stress: 0.13

Ongoing

• 2007

• Unimpacted

• 2009

• Post impact

North Llyn (Rohan Holt)

St Brides Bay (Mark Burton)

North Llyn (Rob Cook)

Impact

Ongoing

Photo Rob Cook

Ongoing – essential fish

Ongoing - restoration

Ongoing – MPA connectivity and management

Next– indicators in MSFD and MPAs