Protecting aquascapes: integrating freshwater, estuarine and marine conservation

More than 99% of the living space on Earth lies in aquatic environments. In this session, we will identify and explore the benefits that come from integrating our approaches to freshwater, estuarine and marine conservation. We must focus on the way they are connected, the threats to their survival, and the remedial options available. We will discuss the realities of aquascape management: how species, particularly diadromes, use the spaces and are affected by the connected threats across these ecosystems, how habitats are connected, how humans affect and are affected by these spaces, and how to deploy complementary conservation tools that range from protected areas to policy instruments. Five speakers will contribute talks of 10 minutes each and then we will invite the audience to consider the realities of adopting this integrated approach to aquatic conservation in the context of their roles as scientists, resource users, policymakers and managers.