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.