Incorporating climate velocity into the design of climate‐smart networks of marine protected areas

Climate change is redistributing terrestrial and marine biodiversity altering fundamental ecological interactions. To conserve promote its long-term persistence, protected areas should account for the implications of species’ redistribution. Data paucity across many systems means that achieving this goal requires generic metrics act as proxies likely responses multiple taxa to climate change. velocity one such metric, representing potential speed direction range shifts. Here, we explore three approaches incorporating into design demonstrate their application in Mediterranean Sea. Our methods are designed meet climate-smart adaptation strategy protecting refugia by selecting slow-moving areas. For our case study, found a cost measure Marxan best selects slower moving areas, which robust indicators refugia. However, approach unable accommodate socio-economic data thus impractical. Incorporating boundary or feature with lower cost. We recommend boundary, where possible because it more flexible approach. The considers all planning units, rather than being limited subjective classification ‘slow-moving’ units when treated feature. further assessment required. different scales grid structures other squares, relative performance might vary among studies. This work presents simple practical ways including conservation plans achieve key objective refugia, thereby enhancing resilience. widely applicable, encouraging researchers practitioners advance field deliver networks 2030.