Multi-disciplinary approach of reported and unreported fisheries in a new established MPA: The case of Cavo Greco, Cyprus

Abstract

In fisheries management it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs), understand the shortcomings and limitations of MPAs and propose measures to improve their functioning. Information provided by local fishers and monitoring by the managers were evaluated to depict insights and identify deficiencies in the fishery management of a newly established MPA in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Cavo Greco). The study revealed a paradox; even though the majority of the professional and recreational fishers were aware of the MPA, high illegal fishing activity was mentioned within the MPA zones. Based on managers’ and fishers’ statements this was due to the lack of: (a) information about the benefits of a MPA, (b) of enforcement on the professional and recreational fishery, (c) limited fisher’s compliance with the rules and (d) distant mooring ports that make the patrolling of the fishing activity difficult. Species composition of the fishery catches was diversified due to the large contribution in the landings by non-indigenous species, especially the rabbitfish Siganus spp. which constituted from 32.1% to 53.8%, depending on season. Findings could be incorporated in the decision-making process towards the improvement of the implementation of the revisited Common Fisheries Policy.