(E) Shark abundance (log) in each region (same color scale as for A). The numerical values for B, C, and D can be found in S1 Data. (B) Frequency distributions of vertebrate species richness, (C) mean maximum body size (cm), and (D) shark abundance (sum of Max N) across all deployments. (A) Map of deployments ( n = 1,041) with protection level and numbers of deployments per region, unprotected (outlined in blue), partially protected or small no-take MPAs (outlined and filled in pink), and large no-take MPAs (>1,000 km 2, outlined and filled in green). Population recovery of predators is unlikely to occur without strategic placement and effective enforcement of large no-take MPAs in both coastal and remote locations. Worryingly, hotpots of large individuals and of shark abundance are presently under-represented within no-take MPAs that aim to effectively protect marine predators, such as the British Indian Ocean Territory. These refuges were identified as remote and shallow seabed features, such as seamounts, submerged banks, and reefs. Refuges were identified at more than 1,250 km from human markets for body size and for shark abundance. While human pressures had no influence on species richness, both body size and shark abundance responded strongly to distance to human markets (12%-20%). All attributes were primarily driven by geomorphology (35%-62% variance explained) and environmental conditions (14%-49%). We modeled three key predator community attributes: vertebrate species richness, mean maximum body size, and shark abundance as a function of geomorphology, environmental conditions, and human pressures. Here, we fill this gap in knowledge across the Indo-Pacific by using 1,041 midwater baited videos to survey sharks and other pelagic predators such as rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata), mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), and black marlin (Istiompax indica). However, such conservation efforts require knowledge of the critical habitats for predators, both across shallow reefs and the deeper ocean. In order to achieve marine resources sustainability, large no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) with pelagic components are being implemented. Wilderness refuges, defined here as areas beyond the detectable range of human influence, are therefore increasingly rare. Technological advancements and fishery subsidies have granted ever-increasing access to populations of sharks, tunas, billfishes, and other predators. Since the 1950s, industrial fisheries have expanded globally, as fishing vessels are required to travel further afield for fishing opportunities. 12 Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America.11 Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America.10 Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom.9 Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom.8 Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.7 School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.6 Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, BPR4, Noumea, New Caledonia.5 Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR ENTROPIE, LABEX Corail, Nouméa, New Caledonia.4 School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Wales.Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France. 2 School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia. 1 Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom.
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