Conservation for the Anthropocene Ocean

Conservation for the Anthropocene Ocean: Interdisciplinary Science in Support of Nature and People emphasizes practical strategies to better connect the practice of marine conservation with the needs and priorities of a growing global human population. It integrates nature and people into shared ecosystems, with practical, conceptually, and methodological strategies that consider their coupled sustainability. The focus first and foremost is on advancing interdisciplinary conservation science with the goal of protecting nature and especially Earth’s marine biota. A central challenge facing conservation is to develop practical means for addressing the interdependence of ecosystems and human well-being, advancing the fundamental interdisciplinary science that underlies conservation practice, and implementing this science in decisions to manage, preserve and restore ocean ecosystems. Though humans have intentionally and unintentionally reshaped their environments for thousands of years, the scale and scope of human influence upon the oceans in the Anthropocene is unprecedented. Ocean science has increased our knowledge of the threats and impacts to ecological integrity, yet the unique scale and scope of changes increases uncertainty about responses of dynamic socio-ecological systems. Thus, to understand and protect the biodiversity of the ocean, and ameliorate the negative impacts of ocean change on people, it is critical to understand human beliefs, values, behaviors, and impacts. Conversely, on a human-dominated planet, it is impossible to understand and address human well-being, and chart a course for sustainable use of the oceans, without understanding the implications of environmental change for human societies that depend on marine ecosystems and resources. This work therefore presents a timely, needed, and an interdisciplinary approach to the conservation of our oceans. Helps marine conservation scientists apply principles from oceanography, ecology, anthropology, economics, political science, and other natural and social sciences to manage and preserve marine biodiversityFacilitates understanding of how and why social and environmental processes are coupled in the quest to achieve healthy and sustainable oceansUses a combination of expository material, practical approaches, and forward-looking theoretical discussions to enhance value for readers as they consider conservation research, management and planning