Combined species occurrence and density predictions to improve marine spatial management

Highlights

• Application of species distribution models that predict both probability of occurrence and density.
• Model performance is assessed for two estuarine bivalve species with contrasting habitat associations.
• Probability of occurrence is not correlated with density for species with broad ecological niches.
• Occurrence and density predictions help identify areas of greatest ecological value for management.

Keywords

Bivalves, Ecosystem services, Estuaries, Marine spatial planning, Species distribution models

[open access]