Restrict fishing activity (types unspecified) in a marine protected area

Overall effectiveness category Awaiting assessment
Number of studies: 2
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Background information and definitions

Marine Protected Areas are designations for marine sites in which fish (among other marine animals and habitats) conservation can be promoted through management of the fishing and other human activities that take place within them. Restricting fishing activity inside a protected area should reduce the overall fishing mortality and disturbance to fish habitats. In studies where the exact fishing types that are regulated inside a protected area are not reported, it may still be expected that fish populations may respond to an overall reduction in fishing pressure and exploitation.

Evidence for similar interventions relating to prohibiting human activity, including fishing, in marine protected areas is summarized under ‘Cease or prohibit all types of fishing in a marine protected area’, ‘Cease or prohibit all fishing activity in a marine protected area with limited exceptions’ and ‘Control human activity in a marine protected area with a zonation system of restrictions’.

Study locations

Key messages

Two studies examined the effects of restricting (unspecified) fishing activity in a marine protected area on marine fish populations. One study was global and the other was in the Indian Ocean (Tanzania).

COMMUNITY RESPONSE (1 STUDY)

Richness/diversity (1 study): One global review reported that of 11 studies showing effects of protection from restricting fishing activity in marine reserves, one found higher fish species richness inside reserves compared to non-protected fished areas.

POPULATION RESPONSE (2 STUDIES)

Survival (1 study): One site comparison study in the Indian Ocean found that survival was higher for blackspot snapper inside a marine park with unspecified fishing restrictions and low fishing intensity compared to more intensively fished areas outside.
Abundance (1 study): One global review reported that 10 of 11 studies showing effects of protection from restricting fishing activity in marine reserves found higher abundance of fish inside the areas compared to areas without fishing restrictions.
Condition (2 studies): One site comparison study in the Indian Ocean found that blackspot snapper inside a marine park with unspecified fishing restrictions and low fishing intensity were of larger average size, reached older ages, but did not have different growth rates compared to more intensively fished areas outside the park. One global review reported that five out of 11 studies showing effects of protection from restricting fishing activity in marine reserves found fish were larger inside reserves compared to non-protected areas without fishing restrictions.

BEHAVIOUR (0 STUDIES)

About key messages

Key messages provide a descriptive index to studies we have found that test this intervention.

Studies are not directly comparable or of equal value. When making decisions based on this evidence, you should consider factors such as study size, study design, reported metrics and relevance of the study to your situation, rather than simply counting the number of studies that support a particular interpretation.

Supporting evidence from individual studies

A review in 1994 of 11 studies published between 1982–1994 on the effects of restricting fishing activity (types unspecified) on fish in marine reserves across the world (Rowley 1994) reported that 10 studies found higher fish abundances, five found fish size was larger and one found a greater number of fish species, inside compared to outside reserves. Overall, 45–73% of fish species surveyed were more abundant inside reserves compared to outside (where reported). In addition, in one reserve 18 months after protection from fishing had failed, abundance (catch rates) decreased by 57% (hook and line), 58% (gill net) and 33% (trap fishing). Twenty studies of reserves that were considered to provide some form of real protection from fishing (for both finfish and shell fisheries) were reviewed (search method was not reported) and examples discussed mainly from sub-tropical and temperate marine reserves. A total of 11 studies reported effects on fish species. Studies were carried out in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Rowley R.J. (1994) Marine reserves in fisheries management. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 4, 233-254.
A site comparison study in 1999–2001 at four patch reef sites in the Indian Ocean, Tanzania (Kamukuru et al. 2005) found that inside a marine park with low fishing intensity, blackspot snapper Lutjanus fulviflamma were larger and older and had lower overall and fishing mortality rates, but no difference in growth rates than snapper in adjacent more intensively fished areas. Average size of snapper in low fishing areas was larger (211 mm) than the heavily fished areas (155 mm). The maximum snapper age was higher in low fishing intensity areas (low: 18 yrs, intensive: 8 yrs), and most individuals were 6–10 years old compared to mainly 2 and 4 year-olds in intensively fished areas. In the marine park, overall mortality (low: 0.55/yr, intensive: 1.64/yr) and fishing mortality (low: 0.18/yr, intensive: 1.37/yr) rates were lower compared to intensively fished areas. There were no significant differences in growth rates between all four sites (data given as growth parameters). Mafia Island Marine Park (822 km²) was established in 1995 as a multiple-use area and, although fishing was permitted in the park (details not reported), fishing intensity was significantly lower than in adjacent areas outside. Surveillance and enforcement were carried out within the park and action taken against illegal fishing. Data were collected from two sampling sites within the park with low fishing intensity (3.6–5.1 fishermen/km²) and two outside sites with high fishing intensity (6.4–8.6 fishermen/km2). From May 1999 to April 2001, monthly samples of snapper were collected from traditional vessels using seine nets. Snapper numbers, lengths and weights were recorded and the ear stones (otoliths) removed for determination of age and growth.
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Kamukuru A.T., Hecht T. & Mgaya Y.D. (2005) Effects of exploitation on age, growth and mortality of the blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma, at Mafia Island, Tanzania. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 12, 45-55.

Please cite as:

Taylor, N., Clarke, L.J., Alliji, K., Barrett, C., McIntyre, R., Smith, R.K., and Sutherland, W.J. (2021) Marine Fish Conservation: Global Evidence for the Effects of Selected Interventions. Synopses of Conservation Evidence Series. University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Where has this evidence come from?

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This Action forms part of the Action Synopsis:

Marine Fish Conservation

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