Abstract
Fully protected areas (FPAs) help preserving biodiversity and reversing the global decline of fishery resources. Stocks of the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas (Fabr. 1787), among the most precious gourmet seafood worldwide, are currently facing a dramatic decline. Previous attempts of recovery based on fishery restrictions or active post-larval restocking in marine reserves provided unsuccessful outcomes. Here we present results of a 5-year restocking program carried through a Collaborative Fishery Research (CFR) project, in three ad-hoc established FPAs replenished using below-legal size wild juveniles. Results showed that Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) in terms of both density and biomass burst (by ca. 300–700%) just 2 years since FPAs establishment, regardless of location. We also report tangible spillover effects (ca. 30–50% increase in density and biomass CPUE outside the FPAs) by the end of the program. Data from a 15-years lasting monitoring of a pilot FPA established in 1998, where the restocking protocol was conducted and protection kept in force once restocking ceased, demonstrated the persistence in time of restocking’ benefits. We foster that creation of FPAs assisted with local restocking under oriented CFR programs can represent an option for the recovery of European spiny lobster stocks from overfishing.
Highlights
The decline of fishery resources is a matter of fact worldwide[1,2]
Fishery of the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas (Fabr. 1787) dates back to Romans age[11] and its popularity as gourmet food in modern times started in the 19th century, continuously increasing till present days
Fully Protected Areas (FPAs) effectiveness is often blurred by factors such as: (i) the lack of a proper spatial and temporal replication in the sampling design[16,19,20]; (ii) improper features of the reserve itself (e.g., extension, location and enforcement[21,22,23,24]; (iii) the reliability of data coming from fishermen, especially if these data are provided by Small Scale Fishery (SSF) operators[25]
Summary
The decline of fishery resources is a matter of fact worldwide[1,2]. Currently, 77% of global fish stocks are overfished and this percentage is predicted to possibly increase up to 88% by 2050, causing dramatic declines in ecosystem functions and services[1,3,4]. FPAs effectiveness is often blurred by factors such as: (i) the lack of a proper spatial and temporal replication in the sampling design[16,19,20]; (ii) improper features of the reserve itself (e.g., extension, location and enforcement[21,22,23,24]; (iii) the reliability of data coming from fishermen, especially if these data are provided by SSF operators[25] These biases can result in concluding that FPAs do not target the whole set of conservation objectives which foster stakeholders’ scepticism about their reliability and efficacy[19,26]. CFR programs allow : (i) sharing methods, approaches and goals[19]; (ii) facilitating the social acceptance of fishery rules by increasing the scientific awareness of fishermen; (iii) reducing enforcement costs by improving the social compliance to the protection/restriction policies[27]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
