Spatial and temporal effects on the efficacy of marine protected areas: implications from an individual based model |
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| Authors: | Aristides Moustakas William Silvert |
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| Institution: | (1) Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Integrative & Comparative Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK;(2) Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of the Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal |
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| Abstract: | We have developed a spatially explicit model that simulates the interaction between fish and fishers based on past fish location,
abundance and fish dispersal. We have examined four scenarios for the design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
and for each we simulated fish biomass and fish catches: (1) No MPA. (2) A single MPA located at a feeding area. (3) A single
MPA designed to maximise its overlap with the predominant route of fish dispersal. (4) The use of two MPAs. Each scenario
was replicated with two scenarios regarding the time that fish remains within the MPA and two grid map scenarios to account
for time–space effects and map/coastline characteristics. Results showed that overall closing an area increased fish biomass.
However, an MPA located in the open sea for a limited time may have adverse effects on fish biomass. MPAs increased fish catches
when a single large MPA or two small MPAs were located in the open sea for a limited time. The effects of time that fish remains
protected in closed areas vary in combination with the spatial design: When examining time effects on the efficacy of MPAs
within each scenario with an MPA located in the open sea, fish biomass was always higher in the case where fish was protected
for more calendar days during each year. When comparing between different spatial designs, proximity to the coast was a more
predominant factor in the efficacy of MPAs rather than time that fish was protected. The scenario that gave the highest total
fish biomass was the one that covered the largest part of the migration route, despite increased edge effects. Our results
suggest that it is not per se the perimeter to surface ratio that matters, but the trade-off between edge effects and maximised
MPA surface in the predominant dispersal direction. Our results also have implications for the design of terrestrial reserves. |
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