First Principle

To capture the complete array of biodiversity, MPAs should be selected to represent the full national or regional range of coral reefs and should include other functionally linked habitats such as seabed, seagrass, mangrove, and coastal and riparian areas.

• Neighboring habitats that are functionally linked to coral reefs by physical and ecological processes--including the transport of nutrients by currents or daily feeding migrations of reef species-- are integral to the health and resilience of coral reefs and should be addressed in management strategies.

• These processes help to maintain coral reef communities and will enhance the prospects of rapid recovery from a mass-bleaching event.