Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Marine reserves are areas where fishing mortality is reduced, and their effectiveness in enhancing fisheries depends on the magnitude of this reduction. We evaluated the effectiveness of two marine reserves in the Mediterranean that differed in enforcement levels using a dual approach that combined interviews with fishers and on-board sampling. Only the reserve with stricter fishing restrictions showed measurable stock enhancement. In areas adjacent to this reserve, catches were higher and body sizes were larger for some species. In addition, fishers adjusted their fishing gear when operating near this reserve, thereby targeting larger individuals. In contrast, no distance-related trends were detected around the reserve with weaker fishing restrictions. Both the interviews and on-board sampling produced consistent results regarding the effectiveness of the two reserves.
Source: Fishes
Institution: University of Alicante
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: Generalitat Valenciana
Award: G5297777170
OpenAlex ID: W7130336144