Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems最新文献

{"title":"Behavioural Processes Underlying the Habitat Selection of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth Gulf, at the North West Cape, Western Australia","authors":"R. Haughey,&nbsp;T. N. Hunt,&nbsp;D. Hanf,&nbsp;C. Passadore,&nbsp;R. Baring,&nbsp;G. J. Parra","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70114","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Identifying the behavioural processes influencing habitat use is important for understanding a species' behavioural and spatial ecology and informing their conservation. In this study, we collected information on the behavioural state of globally Near Threatened Indo-Pacific (IP) bottlenose dolphins (<i>Tursiops aduncus</i>) inhabiting coastal waters at the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia (WA). Ensemble habitat suitability modelling was used to identify key environmental and anthropogenic variables correlated with the spatial distribution of dolphin groups engaged in foraging, travelling and resting behaviours to determine whether dolphins use particular areas for such activities. The distribution of foraging groups was related to distance from the nearest boat ramp and seabed slope, with the foraging dolphins more likely to occur 3000–5000 m from the nearest boat ramp and in areas of moderate seabed slope. Resting dolphins were localised and most likely to occur in shallow waters (5–10 m deep) within designated Sanctuary Zones of the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP). Dolphins travelling were more likely to occur 1000–2000 m from the coast and in water depths of 7–12 m but as deep as 20 m. The integration of behavioural data into habitat suitability models allowed the identification of areas of biological importance for IP bottlenose dolphins at the NWC. Given the increasing risks to dolphins from cumulative anthropogenic activities in this region, the results from this study are applicable for marine spatial planning and adaptive management of this Near Threatened dolphin species.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimating Species Distributions of Sphaeriid Clams in the Western United States: Implications for Conservation","authors":"Steven R. Hein,&nbsp;Daniel A. Trujillo,&nbsp;McKenna P. A. Burns,&nbsp;David J. Berg","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70109","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Species distributions are structured by dispersal potential and responses to vicariance events. Populations of less-vagile species can become spatially isolated in insularised habitats leading to allopatric speciation. In heavily fragmented aquatic systems, such species often contribute to high rates of endemism. Sphaeriid clams are a globally distributed, yet vastly understudied, group of bivalves. They occupy nearly every type of freshwater system, including many isolated water bodies. Studies on sphaeriid diversity in North America suggest many of the species are cosmopolitan. An exception is the Sangre de Cristo peaclam, <i>Pisidium sanguinichristi</i>, considered endemic to a single lake in New Mexico, USA. However, the taxonomic validity of the species is debated, incurring significant conservation implications as the species of conservation concern at the state and federal levels. We examined sphaeriid genetic diversity in New Mexico and Texas to characterise endemicity and test the identity of <i>P. sanguinichristi</i>. Sequences of the mitochondrial 16S gene and the nuclear 28S gene were compared amongst localities and with sequences deposited in GenBank. Our results support previous inferences that much of the sphaeriid diversity across this region comprises a few cosmopolitan species, with some exception. Furthermore, we did not find evidence to support <i>P. sanguinichristi</i> as a unique species and therefore not a valid taxon. This study implies that sphaeriid clams do not follow the common paradigm of high endemism in isolated water bodies shown by many small aquatic species, rather they present a mixed case. The widespread species of sphaeriids in this region are not of high-conservation priority in contrast to many aquatic invertebrates found throughout arid western North America.</p>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.70109","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Common Terminology to Unify Research and Conservation of Coralline Algae and the Habitats They Create","authors":"Victor L. Jardim,&nbsp;Jacques Grall,&nbsp;M. Beatriz Barros-Barreto,&nbsp;Anaëlle Bizien,&nbsp;Thomas Benoit,&nbsp;Juan C. Braga,&nbsp;Juliet Brodie,&nbsp;Thomas Burel,&nbsp;Andrea Cabrito,&nbsp;Guillermo Diaz-Pulido,&nbsp;Patrick Gagnon,&nbsp;Jason M. Hall-Spencer,&nbsp;Mathieu Helias,&nbsp;Paulo Antunes Horta,&nbsp;Siddhi Joshi,&nbsp;Nick A. Kamenos,&nbsp;Regina Kolzenburg,&nbsp;Erik C. Krieger,&nbsp;Erwann Legrand,&nbsp;Tessa M. Page,&nbsp;Viviana Peña,&nbsp;Federica Ragazzola,&nbsp;Lina M. Rasmusson,&nbsp;Francesco Rendina,&nbsp;Nadine Schubert,&nbsp;João Silva,&nbsp;Frederico T. S. Tâmega,&nbsp;Adeline Tauran,&nbsp;Heidi L. Burdett","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70121","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Linguistic uncertainty is a prime source of uncertainty pervading ecology and conservation. Coralline algae are a widespread and diverse group of calcifying red macroalgae that underpin coastal ecosystem function and service provision. Recent increasing interest in coralline algae in the scientific literature has revealed a diverse but confusing terminology at organism to habitat scales. Coralline algal research and conservation are international and multidisciplinary, so there are geographic and disciplinary imbalances in research and conservation efforts. To reach consensus and reduce uncertainty, we propose a unified terminology. We review trends in cultural and scientific use of coralline algal terms and propose a system based on six morphologies: (1) attached, (2) free-living geniculate, (3) encrusting and free-living nongeniculate coralline algae, the latter either being (4) nucleated or (5) non-nucleated thalli or (6) fragments. We take inspiration from other coastal systems that have achieved consensus through umbrella terms, such as ‘coral’ and ‘kelp’, to accelerate global progress in coralline algal research and conservation. We characterise 14 coralline algae–dominated habitat global types, falling within seven functional groups, four biomes and four realms: (1) freshwater coralline streams; (2) coralline tide pools; (3) intertidal coralline rims and (4) turf; (5) coralline sea caves; (6) coral–algal reefs; (7) algal ridges; (8) coralligenous reefs; subtidal (9) carbonate crusts, (10) coralline barrens and (11) turf; and (12) articulith, (13) maerl and (14) rhodolith beds, which fall into the coralline algal bed functional group. We hope this unified terminology promotes data comparison, enables cross-boundary and cross-sector sharing of best practices, develops capacity for meta-analyses and improves conservation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.70121","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Importance-Performance Evaluation of Coral Reef Conservation in Advancing the Bioeconomy of Marine Tourism in Bali, Indonesia","authors":"I Wayan Koko Suryawan,&nbsp;Sapta Suhardono,&nbsp;Van Viet Nguyen,&nbsp;Chun-Hung Lee","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70085","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research investigates the interplay between community engagement, psychological factors, and coral reef conservation in the context of Bali's marine tourism bioeconomy. By examining psychological drivers such as belief in climate change, trust in government initiatives, and personal experiences with marine pollution, we show how these social factors shape community responses and participation in coral reef conservation. Through the use of Importance-Performance Analysis and logistic regression models, we identify critical factors that either promote or impede community involvement in coral reef protection efforts. Key indicators assessed included: the implementation of coral nurseries, marine protected areas, public education campaigns, responsible tourism workshops, volunteer programs for reef cleaning, incentivized conservation actions, local conservation committees, and stakeholder engagement sessions. The findings indicated that effective coral reef management strategies must address not only ecological challenges but also socio-economic realities. Integrating community insights and psychological perspectives into coral reef conservation efforts is shown to significantly bolster their effectiveness and sustainability. This study highlights the need for adaptive management approaches that are informed by both ecological data and community feedback, aiming to cultivate resilient marine ecosystems and communities in the face of global climate change.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-Translocation Movements of a Freshwater Turtle Include Homing Behaviour","authors":"Anthony Santoro,&nbsp;Vita Summers,&nbsp;Jane M. Chambers,&nbsp;Stephen J. Beatty","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70116","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Freshwater turtles are crucial to aquatic ecosystems and among the most threatened vertebrates globally. As wetlands are increasingly affected by urbanisation and climate change, translocating turtles may become increasingly common to prevent population declines. Freshwater turtle responses to translocation remain poorly understood. This study examined the movement responses of the southwestern snake-necked turtle, <i>Chelodina oblonga</i>, following relocation from a wetland slated for urban development. We radio-tracked 40 of 268 turtles translocated to two wetlands, monitoring them for up to 228 days and analysing movement responses in relation to size, sex and release wetland using generalised linear models. Over half (54%) of the tracked turtles permanently left their release wetlands, and 38% homed back to their original wetland via a 3.2–7.0-km estuarine river and a steep, ~15-m high terrestrial bank. Movement out of the release wetlands was unrelated to turtle size or sex but significantly influenced by release wetland. Homing probability was not affected by size, sex or release wetland. Turtles were more likely to leave the release wetland closer to the source, possibly due to its smaller size or drying conditions. Release wetland significantly influenced the timing of both 'any' and 'homing' movements. Sex affected the timing of both movement types, while size influenced only 'any' movement timing. The study highlights that the characteristics of translocation sites are important in retaining translocated turtles. The study adds to the limited understanding of the movement responses of translocated freshwater turtles and has direct implications for the design of translocation programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.70116","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Conservation Challenges for Threatened Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata (Lacépède, 1788) in the Largest Wetland of Bangladesh","authors":"Nadia S. Kashmi,&nbsp;Ahsan H. A. Sarker,&nbsp;Jobedah S. Mim,&nbsp;Mobassher Hossain,&nbsp;Martyn C. Lucas,&nbsp;Shams M. Galib","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70119","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Freshwater habitats are losing their biodiversity more quickly than terrestrial and marine ecosystems, particularly in parts of the tropics with large human populations. Here, we analysed illegal hunting data for globally vulnerable Indian flapshell turtle <i>Lissemys punctata</i> in the largest wetland of Bangladesh. We identified key conservation issues for this species, along with the knowledge and attitudes of stakeholders (turtle hunters, <i>n</i> = 190; fishermen <i>n</i> = 60; agriculture farmers <i>n</i> = 60; fish farmers <i>n</i> = 60). Compared with 2007, the catch per unit of effort of Indian flapshell turtle declined by 55% in 2022. Areas of the wetland converted to agriculture and aquaculture increased by 16.5% and 14.9% respectively over this period, and turtle breeding sites declined, especially in farmed land. All turtle hunters, 93.3% of fishermen, 93.3% of fish farmers and 75% of agricultural farmers, were of the opinion that the wetland's turtle population has declined. Worryingly, the majority of fishermen (66.7%) and 41.7% of the agriculture farmers believe that the decline in turtle abundance is not a problem. About 90% of turtle hunters disagreed with this, primarily because of their dependency on turtles for income. Nine major threats and conservation challenges were identified, including illegal hunting, accidental fishing bycatch, anthropogenic modifications to the wetland, and negative attitudes of some of the stakeholders. We recommend urgent conservation initiatives involving the stakeholder communities and also more research to characterise specific habitat needs for different life stages and evaluate potential population bottlenecks. We suggest education programmes regarding animal conservation and implementation of stricter regulations to reduce exploitation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimisation of an Environmental DNA-Based Approach for Assessing Freshwater Fish Biodiversity in Southernmost South America","authors":"Marianela Veyñ,&nbsp;Tomás Chalde,&nbsp;Cristina Nardi","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70112","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the Southernmost region of South America (52°-55° S), the native freshwater fish biodiversity is extremely low, and invasive species pose a constant threat. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for studying fish biodiversity and biomonitoring remote locations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of targeted eDNA and eDNA metabarcoding for assessing fish species composition from four basins of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia. For targeted eDNA, we designed, validated, and implemented nine species-specific primers in real-time PCR assays. For eDNA metabarcoding, we performed high-throughput sequencing of two barcodes on the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and constructed a local reference database. Also, eDNA-based results were compared with those of electrofishing to verify consistency. The taxon-specific approach proved the most effective for detecting native fish species. Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed between methods for documenting alien species. The targeted eDNA method successfully validated the presence of <i>Aplochiton,</i> a genus of high conservation value endemic to Patagonia and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. Our findings have significant implications for documenting and monitoring native fish species in remote areas where field surveys can be particularly challenging. Also, this study underscores the importance of eDNA-based methods to complement traditional methods, particularly in conservation efforts aimed at rare species in regions facing ecological threats from salmonids.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current Knowledge, Gaps and Conservation Priorities for Mediterranean Temporary Ponds in Central–Southern Italy Insights From a Scientometric Approach","authors":"Cristina Coccia,&nbsp;Massimilano Scalici","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Temporary ponds have significant biodiversity and societal value, yet they have historically been neglected and undervalued in water and nature-related policies. In Italy, temporary ponds have received less attention in biodiversity research and conservation efforts compared to other freshwater ecosystems. Consequently, the scarcity of information regarding their ecology, biodiversity and spatial distribution complicates the development of effective management and conservation strategies for these habitats. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 103 articles, published between 1980 and 2023, to compile an initial inventory of individual temporary ponds studied in central and southern Italy, identifying potential regional gaps. We analysed key topics covered, research trends and their temporal evolution, as well as identifying the most prolific authors and collaboration networks between institutions, including the topics they shared. The results revealed that studies on temporary ponds in central and southern Italy began in 1980, with most research concentrated in Latium, Sardinia and Sicily. From these studies, we extrapolated and mapped the geographic coordinates from 630 individual temporary ponds. Research topics primarily focused on plants, vegetation and macroinvertebrates, while studies on biodiversity conservation and the Natura 2000 network have emerged more recently. The findings of this study identified gaps that should be addressed and evidenced lack of inventories in many regions that should be implemented as these are crucial for pond conservation efforts at local, national and Mediterranean scales.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of Key Stakeholders on Current Methods and Technologies Used in Monitoring and Control of Fisheries Activities in Namibia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)","authors":"Charlene Bwiza Simataa,&nbsp;Frans Persendt,&nbsp;Christopher Gomez","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70117","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study assessed stakeholders' perceptions of current methods and technologies for monitoring and controlling fisheries activities in Namibia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The research was prompted by reports of illegal fishing and inadequate resources for effective oversight. Understanding stakeholders' views is crucial for policymakers to develop suitable monitoring approaches. A qualitative investigation was conducted using in-depth interviews (18 participants) and three focus group discussions (22 participants). Findings revealed that men dominate Namibia's fisheries industry. Air surveillance and sea patrols are the primary monitoring measures, supplemented by Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) technologies. About 32.5% of participants were fisheries inspectors, observers, and researchers with 11–15 years of experience. Most participants rated current methods and technologies as good: 72.5% for sea patrols, 65% for air surveillance and 80% for technologies. Despite positive ratings, several challenges were identified: lack of resources and funding, inadequate modern infrastructure, high maintenance costs, limited stakeholder cooperation and compliance issues. These findings underscore the need for improvements in vessel documentation and authorization, monitoring methods and the adoption of advanced technologies like drones and onboard cameras. The study highlighted the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and coordination to address the challenges posed by globalization, and to realize the state's sovereignty and territorialization, with the EEZ still being a contested space.</p>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.70117","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Syngnathid Fish in Spanish National Parks: Conservation Insights From Protected Marine Ecosystems","authors":"Manuel Vera,&nbsp;Belén G. Pardo,&nbsp;Miquel Planas,&nbsp;Inés Castejón-Silvo,&nbsp;Carmen Bouza","doi":"10.1002/aqc.70110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Spanish National Parks (NPs) are protected areas for biodiversity conservation, including two Maritime–Terrestrian NPs: The Atlantic Islands of Galicia, PNIA (NW Spain) and Archipelago of Cabrera, PNAC (Balearic Islands). This study was aimed to conduct a 3-year genetic survey of syngnathid fish species (i.e. seahorses and pipefish) identified in both NPs and nearby unprotected areas, using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. A diversity of species was identified with differential distribution among NPs and adjacent areas studied. Pipefish (<i>Syngnathus acus</i>, <i>S. abaster, S. typhle</i>, <i>Entelurus aequoreus, Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>, <i>N. maculatus</i>, and <i>N. ophidion</i>) predominated, while seahorses (<i>Hippocampus guttulatus</i>) were much less abundant. Genetic data and phylogenetic analysis clarified in situ morphological identification. Mitochondrial haplotypes for each species clustered into monophyletic groups, supporting the identification of a cryptic lineage of <i>S. abaster</i> in PNAC distinct from eastern Mediterranean populations of this species. Intraspecific genetic diversity was evaluated at spatial and temporal scale for population samples recorded during the survey period, providing valuable information for individual resampling traceability and delineating management units. Temporal stability in genetic diversity and gene flow with adjacent areas were observed for dominant species within each NP in the 3-year period studied. However, significant intraspecific differentiation was detected between populations identified in Atlantic and Mediterranean NPs. This study provides valuable reference genetic data for future monitoring and to identify distribution or research gaps for further studies towards the conservation of syngnathid populations in Spanish marine NPs, which serve as umbrella species for the preservation of vulnerable coastal ecosystems and habitats.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55493,"journal":{"name":"Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems","volume":"35 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143633003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}