Developing the theory of marine reserves

We are requesting funds to support an NCEAS working group that will focus on the development of a theoretical basis for the design and establishment of marine reserves. Although there has been an increase in the number of marine reserves designated to manage marine resources, there has not been a concomitant increase in our understanding of marine reserve theory. As a result, reserve designs have often relied heavily on theory formulated for terrestrial ecosystems or on no theory at all. Recent research on open ecosystems suggests that marine reserves designed using these principles are likely to be ineffective at protecting marine communities over the long term. This fact, along with constantly increasing human pressure on marine ecosystems, indicates that a theory of reserve design specific to marine ecosystems is urgently needed. A multidisciplinary working group organized through NCEAS has the potential to make a significant contribution to our current understanding of marine reserves.