We assessed gaps in taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity representation of 340 Mediterranean coastal fish species in marine-protected areas (MPAs), using targets inversely proportional to species range sizes. We examined whether MPAs preferentially protect more distinct species and evaluated overall effectiveness with a metric integrating phylogenetic and functional relationships, compared to a random placement null model.
Sixteen species were not covered by any MPA, and all others only partially met targets. Although MPAs missed fewer species than random placement, 70% were not better protected than expected by chance.
Functional and evolutionary distinctiveness were weakly linked to protection, and overall diversity coverage was similar to or lower than random expectations. Thus, the Mediterranean MPA system falls short in conserving fish biodiversity and requires regional expansion and coordination to meet conservation goals.
