Marine Protected Areas Tools for Sustaining Ocean Ecosystems (2001) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 174-184
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From page 174... ...
One does find general agreement, however, on the shortcomings of most current management policies. For example, conventional fishery management commonly focuses on single species and is concerned with species-specific issues such as maximum sustainable yields, appropriate fishing mortality rates, effects of seasonal closures of certain fishing grounds, and appropriate size lim174
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From page 175... ...
It is clear that despite good intentions and dedicated effort on the part of resource managers at federal, state, and local levels, most existing strategies to regulate fishing or other removals of living marine resources have neither prevented the decline of these resources nor slowed the destruction of habitat. Increasingly, methods are being sought that preserve ecosystem components essential for the health of marine resources, especially when such overarching factors as genetic diversity, species diversity, spawning biomass, and ecosystem stability require protection.
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From page 176... ...
Networks of marine reserves, where the goal is to protect all components of the ecosystem through spatially defined closures, should be included as an essential element of ecosystem-based management. Incorporation of MPAs, including marine reserves, into a broader plan for coastal and ocean management offers an opportunity to revise current fragmented management approaches and provide for more inclusive representation of stakeholders concerned about the health of marine ecosystems.
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From page 177... ...
Connectivity among reserves should be a factor in the design of MPA networks to prevent genetic isolation of populations and to ensure that dispersal of early life stages and re-colonization are facilitated. Moreover, properly networked MPAs will promote habitat linkages necessary for various life stages and ensure continuity of life processes within the MPA network.
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From page 178... ...
Empirical and modeling studies demonstrate that reserves are effective in increasing the population density, biomass, and age structure of species that have limited adult mobility such as benthic invertebrates and some demersal fishes. Conventional management of such species often fails because they have life-history characteristics that are difficult to evaluate using standard stock assessment methods.
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From page 179... ...
To Complement Other Management Efforts In designing MPAs and reserves for conserving biodiversity and managing fish stocks, it is important to recognize that the goal is to maintain the health of marine ecosystems beyond the relatively small area protected with
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From page 180... ...
This figure was derived initially from a fishery stock assessment model used to determine the level of spawning biomass1 required to sustain the stock and augmented by attempts to estimate the amount of habitat needed to support fisheries and biodiversity. But, the primary consideration for implementing marine reserves should be the needs of each biogeographical region based on protecting critical habitats (such as spawning grounds, nursery grounds, or other areas harboring vulnerable life stages)
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From page 181... ...
Their views and values should be assessed for prospective MPA locations that include different types of cultural and commercial resources, such as coral reefs, kelp forests, whale habitats, fish spawning sites, or other habitats critical for the survival and productivity of marine species. Such evaluations ought to be conducted in an interdisciplinary setting, with marine scientists, social scientists, survey design specialists, and valuation economists.
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From page 182... ...
Indeed, in many cases, marine reserves especially will facilitate important experiments in marine ecology, often at spatial and temporal scales that are unusual in ecological research. The basic knowledge gained from marine reserves about structure, function, and variability in marine ecosystems will enhance our abilities to design reserves and allow more accurate evaluations of their ecological and socioeconomic consequences.
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From page 183... ...
Much of the research described above will further our understanding of the spatial dimension of fishing and enhance our use of spatial management tools, including rotating fishing zones, experimental policy zones, temporary recovery areas, and spatially limited entry licenses and quotas. Such tools have been applied sparingly in marine fishery management, but they are likely to be valuable approaches for controlling effort and fishing mortality.
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From page 184... ...
This approach represents a shift toward more spatially explicit management of marine resources in recognition of the need to protect areas representative of the complete range of marine species and habitats. Finally, the management system should be adaptable so that the knowledge gained from research and monitoring can be applied to improve performance through more effective design.
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