- Tenth International Symposium "Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques"
- Edited by Laura Bonora, Marcantonio Catelani, Matteo De Vincenzi, Giorgio Matteucci
Enhancing Biodiversity Monitoring in Mediterranean MPAs: eDNA and Strategic Solutions
- Ginevra Capurso
- Kathryn A. Stewart
- © 2024 Author(s) |
- CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
- DOI: 10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6.11
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for conserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems. This study examines the current management and monitoring practices within the Mediterranean Sea. Utilizing a questionnaire distributed to 93 MPA managers, we received 29 complete responses, providing insights into the governance, management plans, and monitoring strategies employed across the region. Our findings reveal significant variability in the implementation of management plans, with 48% of respondents reporting full implementation and 41% employing ad hoc monitoring strategies. Traditional monitoring methods, such as visual censuses, remain prevalent, while 28% of respondents reported using eDNA metabarcoding as an additional tool. The integration of eDNA metabarcoding has shown substantial potential in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of biodiversity monitoring, particularly in detecting species diversity and invasive species. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including funding constraints, lack of human resources, and inadequate data-sharing practices. To address these issues, we recommend increasing funding, standardizing monitoring protocols, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting adaptive management informed by robust monitoring data. This study underscores the transformative potential of eDNA metabarcoding in MPA management and highlights the need for strategic improvements to ensure the sustainability and ecological health of Mediterranean MPAs.
- Keywords:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs),
- eDNA metabarcoding,
- Mediterranean,
- Biodiversity monitoring,
- Management strategies,
CNR – ISMAR, Italy
Leiden University, Netherlands
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Chapter Information
Chapter Title
Enhancing Biodiversity Monitoring in Mediterranean MPAs: eDNA and Strategic Solutions
Authors
Ginevra Capurso, Kathryn A. Stewart
Language
Italian
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6.11
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Bibliographic Information
Book Title
Tenth International Symposium "Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques"
Book Subtitle
Livorno (Italy) 11th-13th June 2024
Editors
Laura Bonora, Marcantonio Catelani, Matteo De Vincenzi, Giorgio Matteucci
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-0556-6
eISBN (xml)
979-12-215-0557-3
Series Title
Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques
Series E-ISSN
2975-0288