Interaction between depth and protection in determining the structure of Mediterranean coastal fish assemblages
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Published source details
Cecchi E., Piazzi L. & Balata D. (2007) Interaction between depth and protection in determining the structure of Mediterranean coastal fish assemblages. Aquatic Living Resources, 20, 123-129.
Published source details Cecchi E., Piazzi L. & Balata D. (2007) Interaction between depth and protection in determining the structure of Mediterranean coastal fish assemblages. Aquatic Living Resources, 20, 123-129.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Cease or prohibit all types of fishing in a marine protected area Action Link |
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Cease or prohibit all types of fishing in a marine protected area
A site comparison study in 2004–2005 of a rocky reef island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off Italy (Cecchi et al. 2007) found that prohibiting all fishing in a marine protected area for nine years resulted in a different overall fish assemblage compared to a recreationally fished area, and the abundance of recreationally targeted species was higher at the deeper of two depths. The overall fish assemblage was different between the unfished and fished areas at 5 m and 20 m depths (reported as statistical results). Average number of individuals of species targeted recreationally was higher in the unfished area (9) than in the fished (6) at 20 m depth, but similar at 5 m depth (unfished: 4, fished: 3). Fish were surveyed along 11 km of coastline around Giannutri Island in areas with two different protection levels (established approximately 1993): one where all human activity is banned, and one where commercial fishing is banned but recreational fishing and other activities are permitted. In July and September 2004 and March and May 2005, fish were sampled by visual census at two sites/protection level at 5 m and 20 m depth. Fish within an imaginary cylinder 5 m high and 10 m in diameter were recorded.
(Summarised by: Leo Clarke)
