The conservation and management of marine ecosystems hinge on a comprehensive understanding of the status and trends of top predators. This review delves into the ecological significance of marine top predators, examining their roles in maintaining ecosystem stability and functioning through an integrated analysis of current scientific literature. We first assess the efficacy of various monitoring methods, ranging from traditional field observations to cutting-edge technologies like satellite tracking and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and evaluating their strengths and limitations in terms of accuracy, spatial coverage, and cost-effectiveness, providing resource managers with essential insights for informed decision-making. Then, by synthesizing data from diverse marine ecosystems, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the trends affecting top predator populations worldwide. We explore the multifaceted impacts of human activities, climate change, and habitat degradation on the abundance and distribution of these key species. In doing so, we shed light on the broader implications of declining top predator populations, such as trophic cascades and altered community structures. Following a thorough assessment of successful strategies for reversing the decline of top predators, a compilation of recommendations is presented, encompassing effective governance interventions. A crucial aspect of effective ecosystem-based management is the implementation of robust monitoring strategies. Mitigation measures are imperative to reverse the adverse impacts on marine top predators. We present a comprehensive array of mitigation options based on successful case studies. These include the establishment of marine protected areas, the enforcement of fisheries regulations, and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices. We deepen the synergies between these strategies and their potential to mitigate human-induced stressors on top predator populations to safeguard their pivotal role in maintaining marine ecosystem structure and function. By examining marine top predators’ ecological significance, analyzing population trends, discussing monitoring techniques, and outlining effective mitigation strategies, we provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders engaged in fostering ecosystem-based management approaches. We conclude that integrating these insights into current management frameworks will be essential to safeguard both top predators and the broader marine environment for future generations.

中文翻译：

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主要捕食者状况和趋势：生态影响、监测和缓解战略，以促进基于生态系统的管理

海洋生态系统的保护和管理取决于对顶级捕食者现状和趋势的全面了解。这篇综述深入探讨了海洋顶级捕食者的生态意义，通过对当前科学文献的综合分析，研究了它们在维持生态系统稳定性和功能方面的作用。我们首先评估各种监测方法的有效性，从传统的现场观测到卫星跟踪和环境 DNA (eDNA) 分析等尖端技术，并评估其在准确性、空间覆盖范围和成本效益方面的优势和局限性，提供资源经理具有做出明智决策所需的基本见解。然后，通过综合来自不同海洋生态系统的数据，这项研究全面概述了影响全球顶级捕食者种群的趋势。我们探索人类活动、气候变化和栖息地退化对这些关键物种的丰度和分布的多方面影响。在此过程中，我们揭示了顶级捕食者种群数量下降的更广泛影响，例如营养级联和群落结构的改变。在对扭转顶级捕食者数量下降的成功策略进行全面评估后，提出了一系列建议，其中包括有效的治理干预措施。基于生态系统的有效管理的一个重要方面是实施强有力的监测策略。为了扭转对海洋顶级掠食者的不利影响，必须采取缓解措施。我们根据成功的案例研究提出了一系列全面的缓解方案。其中包括建立海洋保护区、执行渔业法规以及推广可持续捕捞做法。我们深化这些策略之间的协同作用及其减轻人类对顶级捕食者种群造成的压力的潜力，以维护它们在维持海洋生态系统结构和功能方面的关键作用。通过研究海洋顶级捕食者的生态意义、分析种群趋势、讨论监测技术并概述有效的缓解策略，我们为致力于促进基于生态系统的管理方法的研究人员、政策制定者和利益相关者提供了全面的资源。我们的结论是，将这些见解纳入当前的管理框架对于保护顶级捕食者和子孙后代更广泛的海洋环境至关重要。