ABSTRACT: Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.

中文翻译：

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海洋哺乳动物保护：即将到来

摘要：海洋哺乳动物可以在水生生态系统中扮演重要的生态角色，它们的存在对于社区结构和功能至关重要。因此，海洋哺乳动物通常被认为是生态系统健康和旗舰物种的指标。但是，由于剥削造成的历史人口下降以及气候变化，渔业兼捕，污染和海洋发展等其他当前威胁继续影响许多海洋哺乳动物物种，至少有25％被列为受威胁物种（极度濒危，濒危或IUCN红色名录中的“易受攻击”）。相反，近几十年来，一些物种经历了种群的增加/恢复，这反映了管理干预措施，并被认为是成功的保护措施。为了继续取得这些成功并扭转高危物种的下降趋势，有必要评估海洋哺乳动物面临的威胁以及应对这些威胁的保护机制。另外，有必要在一系列环境和分类中确定基于证据的研究和保护需求的优先重点。为此，我们：（1）概述了对海洋哺乳动物的主要威胁及其影响，确定相关的知识差距并建议需要采取的行动；（2）讨论已建立和正在出现的保护机制的优缺点；（3）概述研究和监测技术的应用；（4）突出显示迫切需要重点关注的特定分类群/种群。有必要在一系列环境和分类中确定基于证据的研究和保护需求的优先重点。为此，我们：（1）概述了对海洋哺乳动物的主要威胁及其影响，确定相关的知识差距并建议需要采取的行动；（2）讨论已建立和正在出现的保护机制的优缺点；（3）概述研究和监测技术的应用；（4）突出显示迫切需要重点关注的特定分类群/种群。有必要在一系列环境和分类中确定基于证据的研究和保护需求的优先重点。为此，我们：（1）概述了对海洋哺乳动物的主要威胁及其影响，确定相关的知识差距并建议需要采取的行动；（2）讨论已建立和正在出现的保护机制的优缺点；（3）概述研究和监测技术的应用；（4）突出显示迫切需要重点关注的特定分类群/种群。（3）概述研究和监测技术的应用；（4）突出显示迫切需要重点关注的特定分类群/种群。（3）概述研究和监测技术的应用；（4）突出显示迫切需要重点关注的特定分类群/种群。