Integrating larval connectivity into the marine conservation decision-making process across spatial scales.

Larval dispersal connectivity is typically integrated into spatial conservation decisions at regional or national scales, but implementing agencies struggle with translating these methods to local scales. We used larval dispersal connectivity at regional (hundreds of kilometers) and local (tens of kilometers) scales to aid in design of networks of no-take reserves in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We used Marxan with Connectivity informed by biophysical larval dispersal models and remotely sensed coral reef habitat data to design marine reserve networks for 4 commercially important reef species across the region. We complemented regional spatial prioritization with decision trees that combined network-based connectivity metrics and habitat quality to design reserve boundaries locally. Decision trees were used in consensus-based workshops with stakeholders to qualitatively assess site desirability, and Marxan was used to identify areas for subsequent network expansion. Priority areas for protection and expected benefits differed among species, with little overlap in reserve network solutions. Because reef quality varied considerably across reefs, we suggest reef degradation must inform the interpretation of larval dispersal patterns and the conservation benefits achievable from protecting reefs. Our methods can be readily applied by conservation practitioners, in this region and elsewhere, to integrate connectivity data across multiple spatial scales.

Integración de la conectividad larval al proceso de toma de decisiones en la conservación marina en escalas espaciales Resumen Comúnmente se integra la conectividad de la dispersión larval a las decisiones de conservación espacial a escalas regionales o nacionales, pero las agencias de implementación luchan con la transferencia de estos métodos a las escalas locales. Usamos la conectividad de la dispersión larval a escalas regionales (cientos de kilómetros) y locales (decenas de kilómetros) para ayudar en el diseño de redes de reservas con protección total en Sulawesi Sudoriental, Indonesia. Usamos Marxan con la conectividad guiada por los modelos biofísicos de dispersión larval y detectamos a distancia los datos de hábitat de los arrecifes de coral para diseñar redes de reservas marinas para cuatro especies de importancia comercial en la región. Complementamos la priorización espacial regional con árboles de decisión que combinaron medidas de conectividad basadas en las redes y la calidad del hábitat para diseñar localmente los límites de la reserva. Usamos los árboles de decisión con los actores en talleres basados en el consenso para evaluar cualitativamente la conveniencia del sitio. También usamos Marxan para identificar áreas para la expansión subsecuente de la red. Las áreas prioritarias para la protección y los beneficios esperados difirieron entre especies, con un traslape reducido en las soluciones de la red de reservas. Ya que la calidad del arrecife varió considerablemente entre los arrecifes, sugerimos que la degradación de estos debe orientar la interpretación de los patrones de dispersión larval y los beneficios de conservación alcanzables con la protección de los arrecifes. Los practicantes de la conservación pueden aplicar nuestros métodos inmediatamente, en esta región o en cualquier otra, para integrar los datos de conectividad en varias escalas espaciales.

Immediate impact of COVID-19 across tropical small-scale fishing communities.

The volume and value of fish catches by Indonesia's small-scale fisheries have declined significantly since national government restrictions on travel and social distancing were imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a digital data collection system (OurFish), that records purchases by fish traders from small-scale fishers, data was collected across 82 coastal communities in Southeast Sulawesi. We found that the number of active fishers and traders declined by more than 90% after the onset of the pandemic and the average weight of catch per fishing trip increased across fishers. Although the average price per kilogram of fish declined after the pandemic began, fishers that were able to maintain fishing had on average higher catches and therefore daily catch value was maintained. High value fisheries that usually enter export supply chains were more negatively impacted compared with lower value species that are commonly sold to local markets. We interviewed 185 small scale fishers and fish traders across 20 of the 82 communities in Southeast Sulawesi province, recording the perceived level of impact on local fisheries and the fish trade, causes of this impact and proposed coping strategies. Over 50% of both fishers and fish traders believed low demand for fish from traders and a decline in the price received for fish were disrupting their lives. Approximately 75% of both male and female fishers are coping by continuing to fish, highlighting that there were few alternative livelihoods available at the time of the interviews. Our results provide key insights into the vulnerability of small-scale fishing communities to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.