PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Sala, Enric
AU  - Aburto-Oropeza, Octavio
AU  - Paredes, Gustavo
AU  - Parra, Ivan
AU  - Barrera, Juan C.
AU  - Dayton, Paul K.
TI  - A General Model for Designing Networks of Marine Reserves
AID  - 10.1126/science.1075284
DP  - 2002 Dec 06
TA  - Science
PG  - 1991--1993
VI  - 298
IP  - 5600
4099  - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/298/5600/1991.short
4100  - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/298/5600/1991.full
SO  - Science2002 Dec 06; 298
AB  - There is debate concerning the most effective conservation of marine biodiversity, especially regarding the appropriate location, size, and connectivity of marine reserves. We describe a means of establishing marine reserve networks by using optimization algorithms and multiple levels of information on biodiversity, ecological processes (spawning, recruitment, and larval connectivity), and socioeconomic factors in the Gulf of California. A network covering 40% of rocky reef habitat can fulfill many conservation goals while reducing social conflict. This quantitative approach provides a powerful tool for decision-makers tasked with siting marine reserves.