Browsing by Author "Failler, Pierre"
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- Potential biodiversity connectivity in the network of marine protected areas in Western AfricaPublication . Assis, Jorge; Failler, Pierre; Fragkopoulou, Eliza; Abecasis, David; Touron-Gardic, Gregoire; Regalla, Aissa; Sidina, Ebaye; Dinis, Herculano; Serrao, EsterMarine Protected Areas (MPAs) must function as networks with sufficient stepping-stone continuity between suitable habitats to ensure the conservation of naturally connected regional pools of biodiversity in the long-term. For most marine biodiversity, population connectivity is mediated by passively dispersed planktonic stages with contrasting dispersal periods, ranging from a few hours to hundreds of days. These processes exert a major influence on whether threatened populations should be conserved as either isolated units or linked metapopulations. However, the distance scales at which individual MPAs are connected are insufficiently understood. Here, we use a biophysical model integrating high-resolution ocean currents and contrasting dispersal periods to predict connectivity across the Network of MPAs in Western Africa. Our results revealed that connectivity differs sharply among distinct ecological groups, from highly connected (e.g., fish and crustacea) to predominantly isolated ecosystem structuring species (e.g., corals, macroalgae and seagrass) that might potentially undermine conservation efforts because they are the feeding or nursery habitats required by many other species. Regardless of their dispersal duration, all ecological groups showed a common connectivity gap in the Bijagós region of Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the important role of MPAs there and the need to further support and increase MPA coverage to ensure connectivity along the whole network. Our findings provide key insights for the future management of the Network of MPAs in Western Africa, highlighting the need to protect and ensure continuity of isolated ecosystem structuring species and identifying key regions that function as stepping-stone connectivity corridors.
- Training manual for seagrass monitoring and management in the RAMPAO countriesPublication . Barrena de los Santos, Carmen; de la Hoz Schilling, Carolina; Queiroga, Henrique; Ahmed, Mohamed; Araújo, António; Frade, Duarte; Martins, Samir; Barri, Iça; Bandeira, Salomão; Failler, Pierre; Serrao, Ester A.; Santos, Carmen B. de los; Queiroga, Henrique; Cheikh, Sidi; Araújo, António; Serrão, EsterThis training manual aims to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and provide appropriate working tools to managers and other users of MPAs in the RAMPAO network for the protection and conservation of seagrass habitats. Its preparation used a participatory approach, through consultation with MPA managers and other conservation stakeholders from seven RAMPAO member countries (Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone), with the aim of identifying their capacity building needs and gaining a better understanding of the threats facing seagrass beds in West Africa.