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The Coalition for Conservation Genetics (CCG) brings together four eminent organizations with the shared goal of improving the integration of genetic information into conservation policy and practice. We provide a historical context of conservation genetics as a field and reflect on current barriers to conserving genetic diversity, highlighting the need for collaboration across traditional divides, international partnerships, and coordinated advocacy. We then introduce the CCG and illustrate through examples how a coalition approach can leverage complementary expertise and improve the organizational impact at multiple levels. The CCG has proven particularly successful at implementing large synthesis‐type projects, training early‐career scientists, and advising policy makers. Achievements to date highlight the potential for the CCG to make effective contributions to practical conservation policy and management that no one "parent" organization could achieve on its own. Finally, we reflect on the lessons learned through forming the CCG, and our vision for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Species distribution modelling is a useful tool for determining important habitats. By accounting for specific animal behaviour in the model, it is possible to identify finer‐scale patterns of habitat use. Together with spatially explicit data on anthropogenic activities, models can be used to assess human impacts and inform conservation management. This study used observations of breeding behaviour to identify fine‐scale breeding habitats of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), as well as potential overlap of these habitats with cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Location: Eastern Tropical Atlantic, West Africa. Methods: Maxent was used to model humpback distribution using pertinent environmental predictors and an integrated dataset of humpback whale occurrences filtered for breeding‐specific behaviours. In conjunction with multiple anthropogenic activities, a subsequent cumulative utilization and impact analysis assessed the degree of overlap between predicted breeding habitat and potential anthropogenic impacts. Results: Greatest habitat suitability occurred in warm coastal waters of Gabon, and other highly suitable areas occurred off Equatorial Guinea (Bioko Island), Cameroon and Angola. Sea surface temperature and height contributed most to the model. Highest overlap between humpback whales and potential impacts from anthropogenic activities occurred off Gabon, Equatorial Guinea (Bioko Island), Cameroon and Angola. Impacts associated with oil and gas development (where oil and gas platforms serve as an indicator for industry activity) appeared to contribute most to potential cumulative impact. Main Conclusions: Depth and sea surface temperature of predicted breeding habitats were consistent with previous studies. However, lesser known characteristics such as sea surface height and wind speed, resulting in potentially more sheltered areas for breeding whales, may also be important in delineating finer‐scale habitat suitability. Identified areas of high potential cumulative impact occurred within exclusive economic zones of multiple countries and likely represent the minimum level of impact to humpback whales in the region, highlighting the need for additional research and effective management throughout the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular tools are increasingly applied for assessing and monitoring biodiversity and informing conservation action. While recent developments in genetic and genomic methods provide greater sensitivity in analysis and the capacity to address new questions, they are not equally available to all practitioners: There is considerable bias across institutions and countries in access to technologies, funding, and training. Consequently, in many cases, more accessible traditional genetic data (e.g., microsatellites) are still utilized for making conservation decisions. Conservation approaches need to be pragmatic by tackling clearly defined management questions and using the most appropriate methods available, while maximizing the use of limited resources. Here we present some key questions to consider when applying the molecular toolbox for accessible and actionable conservation management. Finally, we highlight a number of important steps to be addressed in a collaborative way, which can facilitate the broad integration of molecular data into conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore wind energy is expanding globally and new floating wind turbine technology now allows wind energy developments in areas previously too deep for fixed-platform turbines. Floating offshore wind has the potential to greatly expand our renewable energy portfolio, but with rapid expansion planned globally, concerns exist regarding impacts to marine species and habitats. Floating turbines currently exist in three countries but large-scale and rapid expansion is planned in over a dozen. This technology comes with unique potential ecological impacts. Here, we outline the various floating wind turbine configurations, and consider the potential impacts on marine mammals, seabirds, fishes and benthic ecosystems. We focus on the unique risks floating turbines may pose with respect to: primary and secondary entanglement of marine life in debris ensnared on mooring lines used to stabilize floating turbines or dynamic inter-array cables; behavioral modification and displacement, such as seabird attraction to perching opportunities; turbine and vessel collision; and benthic habitat degradation from turbine infrastructure, for example from scour from anchors and inter-array cables. We highlight mitigation techniques that can be applied by managers or mandated through policy, such as entanglement deterrents or the use of cable and mooring line monitoring technologies to monitor for and reduce entanglement potential, or smart siting to reduce impacts to critical habitats. We recommend turbine configurations that are likely to have the lower ecological impacts, particularly taut or semi-taut mooring configurations, and we recommend studies and technologies still needed that will allow for floating turbines to be applied with limited ecological impacts, for example entanglement monitoring and deterrent technologies. Our review underscores additional research and mitigation techniques are required for floating technology, beyond those needed for pile-driven offshore or inshore turbines, and that understanding and mitigating the unique impacts from this technology is critical to sustainability of marine ecosystems. • Concerns exist about ecological impacts of floating offshore wind turbines. • Secondary entanglement is of concern for large marine species. • Anchor and cables may impact benthic habitats. • Taut or semi-taut mooring turbine configurations may have less ecological impacts. • Mitigation techniques like wire-walkers and deterrents may reduce impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millette et al. (Ecology Letters, 2020, 23:55–67) reported no consistent worldwide anthropogenic effects on animal genetic diversity using repurposed mitochondrial DNA sequences. We reexamine data from this study, describe genetic marker and scale limitations which might lead to misinterpretations with conservation implications, and provide advice to improve future macrogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]