Marine protected areas and managing fished ecosystems
Abstract
This paper provides a synthesis of the current literature on the potential of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a management tool to limit the ecosystem effects of fishing, including biological and socio-economic perspectives. There is sufficient evidence to show that fishing can indeed negatively impact ecosystems. Modelling and case studies show that the establishment of marine protected areas, especially for overexploited populations, can mitigate ecosystem effects. Although quantitative ecosystem modelling techniques incorporating MPAs are in their infancy, their role in exploring scenarios is considered crucial. Success in implementing MPAs will depend on how well the biological concern, and the socioeconomic needs of the fishing community are reconciled.
Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen,Norway /Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia,Vancouver, CanadaSylvie Guenette, Fisheries Centre, University of BritishColumbia, Vancouver, CanadaJackie Alder, School of Natural Sciences, Edith CowanUniversity, Joondalup, AustraliaDavid Pollard, NSW Fisheries Research Institute,Cronulla, Australia/Station Marine d "Endourne,Marseille, FranceRatana Chuenpagdee, Institute for Resources andEnvironment, Vancouver, Canada
Publisher
Chr Michelsen InstituteSeries
Research reportR 1999: 4