Effects of seasonal closures in a multi-specific fishery

Published source details Samy-Kamal M., Forcada A. & Lizaso J.L.S. (2015) Effects of seasonal closures in a multi-specific fishery. Fisheries Research, 172, 303-317
Share Tweet Email

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Establish temporary fishery closures Action Link

Establish temporary fishery closures

A replicated, before-and-after study in 2002–2011 of two bottom fishing grounds in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea, Spain (Samy-Kamal et al. 2015) found that seasonal fishery closures implemented for 10 years resulted in increased catch rates of red mullet Mullus spp. and total catch (fish and invertebrates combined) post-closure, but not European hake Merluccius merluccius, compared to before closure. For fisheries targeting red mullet, overall catch rates of red mullet (after: 162–407, before: 130–146 kg/vessel/day) and total catch (after: 1,526–1,898, before: 991–1,017 kg/vessel/day) were higher after closures, in both seasons. For hake fisheries, closures did not affect hake catch rates (after: 6–7, before: 5–6 kg/vessel/day) or the total catch rates (after: 18,679–22,406, before: 17,114–19,655 kg/vessel/day) in either season, but total catch rates varied between years. Annually from 2002–2011 in the Gulf of Alicante, seasonal fishery closures of one month/year were implemented in both northern and southern areas, the closure month alternating between areas normally from May-June and September-October. Fisheries landings data (species and weights) for all years were obtained from two ports (Dénia in the north and La Vila Joiosa in the south) and the data from five years (2004, 2006–2008 and 2010) used to estimate catch rates of species targeted as part of multi-species trawl fisheries before and after the closures.

(Summarised by: Khatija Alliji)