Marine protected areas and managing fished ecosystems

This paper provides a synthesis of the current literature on the potential of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a management tool to limit the ecosystem effects of fishing, including biological and socio-economic perspectives. There is sufficient evidence to show that fishing can indeed negatively impact ecosystems. Modelling and case studies show that the establishment of marine protected areas, especially for overexploited populations, can mitigate ecosystem effects. Although quantitative ecosystem modelling techniques incorporating MPAs are in their infancy, their role in exploring scenarios is considered crucial. Success in implementing MPAs will depend on how well the biological concern, and the socioeconomic needs of the fishing community are reconciled. Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen, Norway /Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Sylvie Guenette, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Jackie Alder, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia David Pollard, NSW Fisheries Research Institute, Cronulla, Australia/Station Marine d "Endourne, Marseille, France Ratana Chuenpagdee, Institute for Resources and Environment, Vancouver, Canada