Network-perspective marine ecosystem conservation and management, from concepts to applications

Abstract

Network-perspective based marine ecology research has gained popularity. Many research papers across various domains can find visualized network figures. However, many ecological network studies remain predominantly “descriptive”, reflecting variations in understanding of network concepts. In this paper, we systematically introduce the origins, fundamental theories, and concepts of ecological networks, emphasizing their application in marine ecosystem conservation and management. Network analysis, rooted in the development of network science, provides a comprehensive understanding of species interactions in ecosystems. Exploring the marine ecological networks is crucial for enhancing our comprehension of future threats. It informs the development of sustainable strategies for marine conservation and resource exploitation, such as designing marine protected areas, assessing ecosystem services, and managing fisheries. The ecological network concept has undergone significant development from theory to application. Looking ahead, with the rise of artificial intelligence and complexity science, our understanding of complex marine ecological networks is poised to advance further.