Ecological connectivity in a protected area network under deep-sea mining

Ecological connectivity in a protected area network under deep-sea mining | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Biological Sciences - Article Ecological connectivity in a protected area network under deep-sea mining Molly James, Amelia Bridges, Daniel Jones, Charlotte Clubley, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7590015/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is the focal region for imminent deep-sea nodule mining1, yet fundamental questions remain about ecosystem resilience2. To protect the marine environment in the CCZ, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) designated Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs)2,4. Connectivity was not a formal criterion in the original APEI design5,6, but has since gained prominence in ISA policy7. Use larval dispersal modelling and network analysis, we assess the connectivity of the APEI design. APEIs show internal cohesion and provide some larval input to areas of mining interest (AMIs), especially after 2021 additions4. However, the ‘network’ of APEIs is not functioning: APEIs are largely disconnected: fewer than 0.02% of simulated larvae disperse between protected areas, and most are functioning as isolated units. This weak connectivity limits the network’s effectiveness in a biologically variable region and undermines its capacity to sustain populations or support recovery following mining disturbance2. Most larval replenishment to AMIs originates outside both APEIs and AMIs, revealing opportunities to enhance APEI support for ecosystem resilience. Strategic expansion, totalling a 47% increase in protected area, could lead to full APEI connectivity, increasing inter-APEI connectivity 406-fold and nearly doubling larval input to AMIs8,9, strengthening conservation outcomes prior to mining. Earth and environmental sciences/Ecology/Ecological networks Biological sciences/Ecology/Ecological modelling Full Text Additional Declarations There is NO Competing Interest. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7590015","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Biological Sciences - Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":521049752,"identity":"4ddc6d4d-e515-4653-927a-00fdc7a9d12c","order_by":0,"name":"Molly 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