Modelling abundance hotspots for data-poor Irish Sea rays

• Published in: Ecological modelling Vol. 312; pp. 77 - 90
• Main Authors: Dedman, Simon, Officer, Rick, Brophy, Deirdre, Clarke, Maurice, Reid, David G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Abundance; Boosted regression trees; Data poor; Elasmobranch; Fish; Fishing; Marine; Mathematical models; Modelling; Rays; Sand; Skates; Teleostei; ANE, Irish Sea; Skates; Boosted regression trees; Elasmobranch; Data poor; Rays

•Spatial abundance predictions produced from limited data.•Abundance predictions convert easily to hotspots for MPA candidates.•Method reveals possible refuges and assesses prediction quality.•Boosted regression tree results align with stakeholder knowledge and other studies.•Protecting the most vul...