Marine Conservation Marine protected areas and reserves

We can protect areas in the ocean Marine protected areas (MPAs) = most are along the coastlines of developed countries They still allow fishing or other extractive activities Marine reserves = areas where fishing is prohibited Leave ecosystems intact, without human interference Improve fisheries, because young fish will disperse into surrounding areas Many commercial, recreation fishers, and businesses do not support reserves Be sensitive to concerns of local residents

Reserves work for both fish and fisheries Marine reserves: Increased densities of organisms by 91% Increased biomass by 192% Increased organism size by 31% Increased species diversity by 23% Benefits inside reserve boundaries include: Rapid and long-term increases in abundance, diversity, and productivity of marine organisms Decreased mortality and habitat destruction Decreased likelihood of extirpation of species

Areas outside reserves also benefit A “spillover effect” occurs when individuals of protected species spread outside reserves Larvae of species protected within reserves “seed the seas” outside reserves Improved fishing and ecotourism Local residents who were opposed support reserves once they see their benefits Once commercial trawling was stopped on Georges Bank: Populations of organisms began to recover Fishing in adjacent waters increased

How should reserves be designed? 20–50% of the ocean should be protected in no-take reserves How large? How many? Where? Involving fishers is crucial in coming up with answers

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/

Conclusion Oceans cover most of our planet and contain diverse topography and ecosystems As we learn about oceans and coastal environments, we are intensifying our use of their resources and causing severe impacts We need to address acidification, loss of coral reefs, pollution, and fisheries depletion Setting aside protected areas can maintain and restore natural systems and enhance fisheries Consumer choices can help us move toward sustainable fishing

V Marine Conservation How does a marine reserve differ from a marine protected area? Why do many fishers oppose marine reserves? Explain why scientists say no-take reserves will be good for fishers. Consider what you know about biological productivity in the oceans, about the scientific data on marine reserves and about social and political issues surrounding the establishment of marine reserves. What type of ocean regions do you think it would be particularly appropriate to establish as marine reserve? Why?