Species distribution modeling (SDM) is a powerful tool for predicting the geographic range of a species based on environmental variables from known occurrence sites. This approach enables the identification of key areas where conservation efforts for vulnerable species can be most effectively concentrated. However, SDMs have not been implemented for most of the world's marine protected areas, leaving unfilled opportunities to increase the efficiency of conservation efforts worldwide.
In this study, we present the first SDM for the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) within the Cíes Islands MPA (northwest Spain), as well as an integrative multi-species model of this SDM and previously developed SDMs for the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and greater pipefish (Syngnathus acus), generating a comprehensive distribution map that includes two fishery species and a flagship conservation species. Our results show four distinct co-occurrence sites for the three species. Priorities for stricter protection of each should be set based on socio-ecological considerations.
Our integrative framework enables optimizing MPA management by identifying priority conservation areas that support multiple species. Furthermore, by strategically compiling “species packages” of culturally, economically and ecologically important species, more effective MPAs may be designed immediately from the initial planning stage.
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