Social–ecological network analysis of governance gaps in a newly designated marine protected area of the Global South

Effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) depend on governance arrangements that are well-aligned with the dynamics of the social–ecological systems they aim to manage. However, baseline assessments at the time of MPA designation often prioritize ecological and biological data, while social dimensions tend to receive less attention, limiting opportunities to inform early management planning. To address this gap, we applied Social–Ecological Network Analysis (SENA) to the newly designated Isla de Lobos MPA in Uruguay, mapping interactions among ecological components, resource users, formal institutions, and external pressures. The adjacency matrix was constructed from scientific evidence and validated through stakeholder engagement and expert consultation. We examined the network’s modular structure, functional roles, and centrality metrics to identify key nodes and structural patterns. The network was structured into four modules with limited integration across ecological, resource-user, and institutional domains. Key ecological connectors, including invertebrates, bony fish, pinnipeds, and sharks, supported system cohesion, while artisanal and recreational fishers emerged as bridging actors linking ecological and governance domains. In contrast, most formal institutions occupied peripheral structural positions, suggesting weak coordination and institutional misfits. These findings highlight critical gaps in governance integration and identify opportunities to strengthen co-management, stakeholder participation, and cross-sector coordination during the development of the MPA management plan. More broadly, the study demonstrates the value of SENA for informing governance design at early stages of MPA establishment, particularly in data- and resource-limited contexts of the Global South.