Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: The fluctuations in fish biomass within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critical to the conservation efforts and the management of fisheries in the Philippines. Observational data was used to estimate the fish biomass doubling time in specific MPAs of the Philippines. Starting biomass, MPA area, duration of strict protection, and governance quality were some of the factors included in the analysis. The recovery and spillover effects of MPAs on surrounding fishing areas were assessed using exponential and logistic growth models. Incorporating these factors affects the doubling time of biomass, but not drastically. With regard to the logistic growth model, which includes the MPA area, duration of strict protection, and governance level, we found the average biomass doubling time to decrease compared to the exponential growth model. The average biomass doubling time for each MPA ranged from four to twenty years. This study used the historical concept of doubling time to merge modern approaches to MPAs with the aim of increasing fish biomass and biodiversity within the protective zones.
Source: Preprints.org
Authors: Michelle Ballesteros, Danilo, Jr. Olalo, Michael Atrigenio
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409588239