Conceptual frameworks and key questions for assessing the contribution of marine protected areas to shark and ray conservation

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are key tools in addressing the global decline of sharks and rays, and marine parks and shark sanctuaries of various configurations have been established to conserve shark populations. However, assessments of their efficacy are compromised by inconsistent terminology, lack of standardized approaches to assess how MPAs contribute to shark and ray conservation, and ambiguity about how to integrate movement data in assessment processes. We devised a conceptual framework to standardize key terms (e.g., protection, contribution, potential impact, risk, threat) and used the concept of portfolio risk to identify key attributes of sharks and rays (assets), the threats they face (portfolio risk), and the specific role of MPAs in risk mitigation (insurance). Movement data can be integrated into the process by informing risk exposure and mitigation through MPAs. The framework is operationalized by posing 8 key questions that prompt practitioners to consider the assessment scope, MPA type and purpose, range of existing and potential threats, species biology and ecology, and management and operational contexts. Ultimately, MPA contributions to shark and ray conservation differ according to a complex set of human and natural factors and interactions that should be carefully considered in MPA design, implementation, and evaluation.

Automated summary

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important for addressing the global decline of sharks and rays. However, inconsistent terminology and lack of standardized approaches make it difficult to assess their efficacy. To solve this problem, a conceptual framework is proposed to standardize key terms and integrate movement data in the assessment process. The framework includes 8 key questions that help practitioners consider the assessment scope, MPA type and purpose, threats, biology and ecology of species, and management contexts. Ultimately, MPA contributions to shark and ray conservation depend on various human and natural factors and interactions that should be carefully considered.