Conservation and protection of marine ecosystems: concepts, tools and examples of activities

Abstract

Rodríguez,  J.,  Ruíz,  J.  (2010).  Conservation  and  protection  of  marine  ecosystems:  concepts,  tools  and  examples  of activities. Ecosistemas 19(2):5-23.

This  paper  discusses  the  evolution  of  concepts  and  tools  in  conservation  ecology  and  its  application  to  the  particular  case  of  marine ecosystems. The consideration of ecosystem services and functions has contributed to the extended use of an "ecosystem management" approach, this being particularly relevant, at the regional scale, in relation with coastal wetland ecosystems in a framework of global change. The  potential  and  limitations  of  marine  protected  areas  are  discussed  and  the  need  of  linking  them  in  ecological  networks  is  stressed, identifying the main principles driving its operativity. Finally, two examples about marine conservation initiatives are show for the regional seas of Andalusia: the Alborán Sea and the Gulf of Cádiz.