A systematic evaluation of the incremental protection of broad-scale habitats at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

A systematic evaluation of the Ningaloo Marine Park reveals that while subtidal and intertidal coral communities are adequately protected at 34% sanctuary zones, deeper water habitats seaward of the reef fall short of this target. Using C-Plan decision-support software, researchers identified efficient incremental additions to sanctuary zones to better represent under-represented habitats. The study underscores the need for systematic conservation planning incorporating emerging biodiversity and social data to guide future expansions of marine protected areas, serving as a model for global posthoc approaches.

Beckley, L. E., & Lombard, A. T. (2011). A systematic evaluation of the incremental protection of broad-scale habitats at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf11074