Connecting MPAs - eight challenges for science and management

1. Connectivity is a crucial process underpinning the persistence, recovery, and productivity of marine ecosystems. The Convention on Biological Diversity, through the Aichi Target 11, has set the ambitious objective of implementing a well connected system of protected areas' by 2020. 2. This paper identifies eight challenges toward the integration of connectivity into MPA network management and planning. A summary table lists the main recommendations in terms of method, tool, advice, or action to address each of these challenges. Authors belong to a science-management continuum including researchers, international NGO officers, and national MPA agency members.