Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2025
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster E127
Höfundar / Authors: Brendon Lee (1)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1. Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Brendon Lee
Marine populations exhibit complex dynamics that traditional management often fails to capture. We present three case studies from the Southwest Atlantic and Iceland demonstrating how spatial-temporal analyses transform reactive management into proactive conservation. In the Falkland Islands, analyses of Patagonian toothfish abundance reveal episodic recruitment pulses and ontogenetic migratory pathways that overlap with important squid fisheries, increasing bycatch risk. These insights enable managers to implement proactive measures reducing juvenile mortality and safeguarding stock sustainability. Distribution models for burrowing petrel colonies highlight the importance of maintaining pristine nesting habitats, with offshore islands functioning as strongholds. These findings guide continued protection of offshore islands and rehabilitation of degraded mainland sites. Spatial–temporal modelling of survey data for blue whiting around Iceland identifies important population components, including variable nursery areas, a dominant northeast Atlantic migratory population, and possible partial residency. Recognising and protecting these distinct components is essential for maintaining biocomplexity and long-term resilience. Together, these outcomes illustrate how spatial–temporal analyses translate directly into conservation action and fisheries policy, demonstrating the value of proactive, evidence-based approaches to sustaining marine populations in dynamic environments.