Global connectivity and networks of marine reserves

Abstract

Cooperation between countries in managing and protecting shared marine resources is beneficial both ecologically and economically, but how best to establish the cooperation needed at a global scale is largely unknown. Here, we used hydrodynamic modelling to identify ecologically connected networks of marine reserves (MRs) and evaluated these networks with socio-economic indicators. Most of the networks are homogenous with similar levels of development, shared languages, and other cultural values. However, we found that 17% (11/66) of the largest networks (>20 MRs) span multiple countries. These heterogenous networks are composed of countries with different economic, political, and cultural views. Countries that control more, larger marine reserves also have a more even ratio of source reserves to sinks. We discuss that, while such economic and cultural homogeneity might lead to more efficient ecological management in the short term, heterogeneous networks may prove to be more resilient in the longer term, when climate change will modify marine connectivity.