Abstract
Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the most popular means of supporting marine ecosystem conservation and coastal fisheries, particularly in developing countries. However, ARs generate complex socio-bio-economic interactions that require careful evaluation. This is particularly the case for ARs outside no-take zones, where fish might be subject to enhanced exploitation due to easier catchability. Here, we conducted an interdisciplinary study on how ARs impact fish and fishing yields, combining mathematical and sociological approaches. Both approaches converge to confirm that fishery yields decline when ARs are exploited as if they were open access areas. This situation typically occurs in areas with weak governance and/or high levels of illegal fishing activity, both of which are common in many developing countries. To avoid these adverse effects and their associated ecological consequences, we recommend prioritizing the onset of a long-term surveillance system against illegal fishing activities, and adapting design and location of the ARs based on both and local and academic knowledge, before the deployment of ARs.
Highlights
Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the most popular means of supporting marine ecosystem conservation and coastal fisheries, in developing countries
If AR volume was below 120 m3, all levels of illegal fishing would cause total catch to decline, and catch became larger on the AR than in surrounding open access fishing areas if illegal fishing exceeded 6% (Fig. 2B)
If AR volume was between the optimum and 256 m3, catches were highest with a small illegal fishing rate (~ 3%), and most of the catch was derived from the fishing area (Fig. 2C)
Summary
Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the most popular means of supporting marine ecosystem conservation and coastal fisheries, in developing countries. Both approaches converge to confirm that fishery yields decline when ARs are exploited as if they were open access areas This situation typically occurs in areas with weak governance and/or high levels of illegal fishing activity, both of which are common in many developing countries. During spawning, fishing gear and fishing season are often restricted around ARs in Japan These practices are recognized for their effectiveness in Community Marine Protected Areas, DAMCP, Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, MEED, Dakar, Senegal. The spill-over effect is a consequence of the ideal free distribution (IDF) in fish behavior between the fishing area and no take area This figure was generated by Pierre Lopez (IRD). Maintaining good fishing performance and marine conservation in Japan and elsewhere where they have been implemented[7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
