Fisheries Economics & Policy: Marine Protected Areas

Summary

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated zones in oceans or lakes where human activity is limited to conserve marine life. These areas can restrict fishing, gear use, or even travel, and can be temporary or permanent. Studies show that MPAs increase fish biomass, size, and diversity, with benefits extending beyond their boundaries. They enhance coral resilience by protecting fish that eat coral's competitors. Planning MPAs involves considering factors like fish movement, life stages, and the impact on fishing communities. The goal is to balance ecological benefits with the needs of fishermen, often involving community input in decision-making.

Takeaways

• 🚫 **Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)** are designated regions in oceans or lakes where human activities are restricted to protect marine life.
• 🐟 **Increased Fish Biomass**: Studies show MPAs can increase fish biomass by 4 to 5 times, making fish populations healthier and more robust.
• 📏 **Size and Age**: Fish within MPAs tend to be older and larger, with an average size increase of 25%, which contributes to a more stable ecosystem.
• 🌿 **Coral Benefits**: MPAs can help coral by protecting fish that eat micro algae, thus reducing competition and increasing coral cover.
• 📈 **Spillover Effects**: The positive effects of MPAs can extend beyond their boundaries, increasing biomass up to 200% in surrounding areas.
• 🛑 **No-Take Zones**: These are areas where no fishing is allowed, designed to help fish populations recover and increase fishery yields.
• 🔄 **Resilience and Productivity**: Removing human disturbance allows ecosystems within MPAs to become more resilient and productive.
• 🔍 **Planning Considerations**: The planning of MPAs requires considering various factors such as the movement patterns of species and the ecological needs of the area.
• 🌐 **Self-Sustaining Ecosystems**: MPAs should be designed to be self-sustaining, protecting critical habitats like spawning grounds.
• 🔄 **Life Cycle Protection**: MPAs should encompass areas that are crucial at different stages of a fish's life cycle to ensure their long-term survival.
• 🌀 **Shape and Size**: The shape of an MPA can influence its effectiveness, with circular shapes being more beneficial due to their larger area-to-perimeter ratio.
• 💵 **Economic Impact**: MPAs can have economic implications for fishermen, potentially increasing travel and search costs but also providing a safety net against overfishing.
• 🤝 **Stakeholder Inclusion**: Successful MPAs are those where all stakeholders are included in decision-making processes to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation.

Q & A

What is a marine protected area?

A marine protected area is a designated region of the ocean or a lake where human activities such as fishing, diving, or the use of certain gear are restricted to protect the marine environment.

What types of restrictions can be found in marine protected areas?

Restrictions can include limitations on fishing, specific types of gear, diving, or even traveling along the surface. These restrictions can be year-round or temporary, and are designed to protect sensitive areas or species during critical periods like mating seasons.

What are the benefits of marine protected areas according to the study mentioned in the script?

The study found that within marine protected areas, fish biomass increased by four to five times, fish were older and larger, and the density and diversity of fish species also increased. Additionally, there was an increase in biomass outside the protected areas, ranging from zero to 200%.

How do marine protected areas help coral reefs?

By protecting fish within the area, marine protected areas can indirectly help coral reefs. Fish consume micro algae that corals compete with, so protecting fish allows the reef to be more resilient to stresses and increases coral cover.

What is a no-take zone and how does it benefit the fishing industry?

A no-take zone is a type of marine protected area where fishing is prohibited. It benefits the fishing industry by allowing fish populations to grow and breed within the protected area, potentially spilling over into fishable areas and increasing fishermen's catches and revenue.

When are no-take zones most beneficial to fishermen?

No-take zones are most beneficial when a fishery is overfished and in need of relief from human activity. In such cases, the spillover effects can increase fishermen's catches despite the loss of fishing space.

How does the size of a marine protected area affect its effectiveness?

The effectiveness of a marine protected area is influenced by the size and movement patterns of the species it aims to protect. Larger areas are needed for species with greater movement or dispersal to ensure protection throughout their life cycle.

Why might the shape of a marine protected area be important?

The shape of a marine protected area is important because it can affect how productive the fishable areas around it are. A circular shape maximizes the area with the least perimeter, reducing fishing opportunities around the protected zone.

What are some of the costs associated with establishing a marine protected area?

Costs associated with marine protected areas include increased search costs for fishermen due to travel distances, new gear restrictions, and additional monitoring, biological assessment, and enforcement costs.

Why is it important to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process for marine protected areas?

Involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process ensures that everyone understands the purpose of the protected area and how it will affect them. This inclusion can lead to more successful and beneficial marine protected areas by considering the needs and concerns of all parties involved.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Marine Protected Areas: Purpose and Benefits

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated regions in oceans or lakes where human activities are limited to conserve marine life. These restrictions can range from specific fishing bans to complete prohibitions on certain activities. MPAs aim to shield marine ecosystems from human-induced degradation. A global study revealed that within these protected zones, fish biomass can increase by 400-500%, with fish growing older and larger, and a 25% increase in size on average. The density and species diversity of fish also rise. Importantly, the positive effects extend beyond the boundaries of the MPAs, with an average biomass increase of 0-200% in adjacent areas. MPAs enhance coral resilience by protecting fish that eat micro algae, thus reducing competition for coral. The planning of MPAs, such as no-fishing zones designed to boost fish populations and fishermen's catches, involves considering various factors including the initial state of the fishery, the species' dispersal patterns, and the need for self-sustaining habitats. The shape of the protected area is less critical than ensuring it encompasses the necessary habitats and is recognizable for monitoring.

05:01

💼 Economic Impacts on Fishermen from Marine Protected Areas

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has significant economic implications for fishermen. No-take zones, for instance, can lead to increased search costs as fishermen may need to travel further to find new fishing grounds, using more fuel. Additionally, new restrictions on gear types, such as bottom trawl nets or drift nets, can impose extra costs on fishermen. The creation and management of MPAs also involve monitoring, biological assessment, and enforcement costs. To ensure the success and benefits of MPAs, it is crucial to include all stakeholders, particularly fishermen, in the decision-making process. This allows them to understand the purpose of the protected areas and how they will be affected, enabling them to provide valuable input. The next video will explore the concept of giving fishermen rights to manage certain areas, which could potentially lead to more effective conservation and resource management.

Keywords

💡Marine Protected Area

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a designated region of the ocean or a lake where human activity is restricted to protect the natural environment. Defined by the script as an area where 'activity is restricted in some way,' it can range from limitations on fishing to complete prohibitions on certain activities. The purpose of an MPA is to conserve marine life and habitats, which is central to the video's theme of ecological preservation and sustainable resource management.

💡Fish Biomass

Fish Biomass refers to the total mass or weight of fish in a given area. The script mentions a study where 'the fish biomass increased by four to five times' within marine protected areas. This concept is crucial as it measures the effectiveness of MPAs in promoting the health and abundance of fish populations, which is a key indicator of the ecological success of conservation efforts.

💡No-Take Zone

A No-Take Zone is a type of marine protected area where all forms of fishing are prohibited. The script uses this concept to discuss a strategy for aiding the fishing industry by creating 'an area where fish are free to grow and breed.' This concept is important as it illustrates a specific method of conservation that can lead to increased fish populations and potentially benefit fishermen by allowing fish to 'spill over' into areas open to fishing.

💡Resilience

Resilience in this context refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances. The script states that by protecting fish, 'it makes the reef more resilient to stresses and increases coral cover.' This keyword is significant as it highlights the goal of MPAs to enhance the natural defenses of marine ecosystems, allowing them to better withstand environmental changes and human-induced pressures.

💡Dispersal

Dispersal is the movement or spread of species from one location to another. The script discusses how 'the larger the movement or dispersal of the species, the larger the marine protected area needs to be.' This concept is integral to the planning and design of MPAs, as it influences the size and configuration of protected zones to ensure effective conservation of species throughout their life cycles.

💡Spillover Effects

Spillover Effects refer to the positive impacts that extend beyond the boundaries of a protected area. The script mentions that MPAs can have 'spillover effects to the extent that they're actually increasing the fishermen's catches despite the lost space.' This keyword is central to understanding the broader ecological and economic benefits of MPAs, as it suggests that conservation efforts can improve conditions in adjacent areas and contribute to the sustainability of fisheries.

💡Overfishing

Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate that exceeds their capacity to reproduce and replenish their populations. The script connects overfishing to the need for MPAs, stating that 'benefits to fishermen's revenue happen mostly when a fishery is in a really bad way from overfishing.' This term is critical as it underscores the problem that MPAs aim to address by providing a refuge for fish populations to recover and grow.

💡Total Allowable Catch

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is the maximum quantity of fish that can be caught in a given area or for a specific species during a certain period. The script suggests that 'the new total quota or total allowable catch should consider the no-take zones effect.' This concept is important as it relates to the management of fisheries and the balancing of conservation goals with the needs of the fishing industry.

💡Self-Sustaining

Self-Sustaining refers to an ecosystem or population that can maintain itself without external support. The script mentions the need for protected areas to be 'self-sustaining for the species.' This keyword is significant as it reflects the aim of MPAs to create environments where marine life can thrive and reproduce naturally, contributing to the long-term health and productivity of the ecosystem.

💡Monitoring Costs

Monitoring Costs are the expenses associated with overseeing and managing a protected area. The script discusses the 'new monitoring costs' that come with setting up a restricted area. This concept is important as it highlights the financial considerations and resource allocation required to effectively manage and enforce the regulations within MPAs, ensuring their conservation objectives are met.

💡Stakeholder Inclusion

Stakeholder Inclusion is the process of involving all interested parties in the decision-making process. The script emphasizes that 'the most successful and beneficial ones will be the ones where all the players are included in the decision-making.' This keyword is crucial as it speaks to the collaborative approach needed to ensure that MPAs are designed and managed in a way that considers the needs and perspectives of all those affected, including fishermen, conservationists, and local communities.

Highlights

Marine protected areas restrict human activities to protect marine life.

Restrictions can include fishing, gear types, diving, and even surface travel.

These areas can be temporary or permanent, protecting species during sensitive periods like mating seasons.

A global study shows marine protected areas increase fish biomass by 4 to 5 times on average.

Fish within these areas are older, larger, and more diverse.

The benefits of marine protected areas extend beyond their boundaries, increasing biomass up to 200% in surrounding areas.

Protected areas help coral by reducing competition from micro algae eaten by fish.

Removing top predators or disturbers allows marine life to grow and thrive.

Larger, older fish produce more and healthier eggs, contributing to diversity.

Designing marine protected areas requires considering various factors for effective conservation.

No-take zones are a type of marine protected area designed to help the fishing industry by increasing fish populations.

Initial conditions of a fishery are crucial when creating no-take zones to ensure they benefit fishermen.

No-take zones can act as a safety net, preventing fishery collapse when not increasing revenue.

The size and dispersal of species determine the effectiveness of marine protected areas.

Protecting areas where fish lay eggs can reduce damage to vulnerable populations.

Setting up multiple protected areas can ensure species' life cycles are supported despite external fishing.

The shape of a marine protected area can influence its effectiveness, with circular areas being more beneficial.

Inclusion of all stakeholders in decision-making is key to the success of marine protected areas.

Next video will explore giving fishermen rights to manage areas, potentially improving marine conservation.

Transcripts

a marine protected area is an area of

the ocean or a lake I guess where

activity is restricted in some way it

can just be restrictions on fishing a

few species of fish restrictions on

certain types of gear restrictions on

diving or it can restrict everything

even traveling along the surface it can

be year-round or temporary maybe just

protecting certain areas from damaging

gear during the mating seasons of

certain species or something marine

protected areas sort of apply to a lot

of things but the idea behind them is to

protect the contents of an area from the

humans that can degrade it but the

benefits can be greater than that

a study of 124 different marine

protected areas around the world found

that within the area on average the fish

biomass increased by four to five times

the fish were also older and larger

their length or width increased by an

average of 25% the density of the fish

and the number of different species also

increased but the benefits also spread

to the area outside again on average for

the areas they looked at there was an

increase in biomass from zero to 200%

but there didn't seem to be a

significant increase in the average size

or diversity outside the area a

protected area can help Coral to fish

will eat the micro algae that coral has

to compete with so by protecting the

fish

and preventing other disturbances it

makes the reef more resilient to

stresses and increases coral cover the

benefits maybe shouldn't really come as

a surprise take away us the top predator

or greatest disturber and the creatures

are free to grow to resilient and

productive sizes since older and larger

fish tend to lay more eggs and healthier

eggs than the younger smaller fish

there's a lot of diversity to marine

protected areas and a lot of things to

consider you know you could probably

study them all day so if we're here

let's keep it very simple and just look

at a few of the factors that might go

into the planning of let's say a no

fishing zone

used to try to help the fishing industry

the idea being create an area where fish

are free to grow and breed and they will

spill over into the fishable areas and

increase the fishermen's catches in

revenue this isn't the most common kind

of marine protected area it's just a

simple one to try to get thinking about

design characteristics because a no-take

zone would be taking away fishable area

its creation is directly in competition

with its desired effect setting aside a

chunk of ocean might increase the growth

of the fish inside and outside but at

the same time might be decreasing the

fishermen's catches because they've lost

fishing space you know there's less fish

overall in the space that they're

allowed to fish so when creating a

no-take zone to benefit fishermen the

initial conditions are important to

consider benefits to fishermen's revenue

happen mostly when a fishery is in a

really bad way from overfishing it's

here where fish desperately need relief

from human activity and a no-take zone

can have those spillover effects to the

extent that they're actually increasing

the fishermen's catches despite the lost

space but there are other benefits it

the fishery isn't managed very well than

a no-take zone while not increasing

revenue might act as a safety net

preventing a collapse at any rate after

the marine protected area is set up the

new total quota or total allowable catch

should consider the no-take zones effect

on the ecology of the area it may

increase or decrease the total allowable

catch depending on what's going on the

benefits are also dependent on how far

the species Candice first from that area

some species of fish may disperse very

quickly and concede other areas by

migration or seeds drift while certain

benthic organisms may disperse much

slower and can only really create better

fishing spots at the edges of the area

in general the larger the movement or

dispersal of the species the larger the

marine protected area needs to be to be

able to protect them throughout their

life the areas that end up being

protected should be self-sustaining for

the species for example if one area has

been identified as being the place where

fish go to lay eggs you may want to

protect that area from any fishing or

damaging activities to reduce damage to

the fish when they are vulnerable the

spot is important and should be

protected but it may not be where the

fish grow up it may not be a source of

food for the population the fish need to

be protected where they're going to be

during their life so that they can reach

those larger sizes and have a bigger

effect on the productivity of the fish

so you can set up multiple areas or

networks of areas where the fish can

travel between at different stages of

their life such that the areas that are

protected can persist regardless of how

much fishing is going on outside

depending on the species the edges

around a marine protected area may end

up being the most productive fishable

areas that attract fishermen maybe this

is the whole point and it's what you

want but to minimize this effect the

area should be a circle because a circle

has the largest area for the smallest

perimeter it gives the fish the largest

area with as few fishing opportunities

around it by contrast let's say we

protect the same amount of area but it

has a weird shape and the perimeter is

huge the fishermen can get all in

between and the benefits will be missed

completely but at the end of the day

whether it's a circle or square or lumpy

oblong doesn't really make a huge

difference making sure you've captured

the habitat and making sure monitors can

recognize the area is

much more important this is all stuff

that affects the fisherman's revenue but

we need to think about their costs too

if a no-take zone is set up close to

shore or in an old fishing spot that the

fishermen know which will tend to be the

exploited areas they're going to have to

spend time traveling farther and use

more fuel in search of new places to

fish it's going to increase their search

costs the fisherman will also have new

costs if there are restrictions on the

type of gear used like restricting

bottom trawl nets or drift nets or new

restrictions on net size and setting up

a restricted area will come with new

monitoring costs biological assessment

costs and enforcement costs

anyways all marine protected areas are

going to have a lot of considerations

and the most successful and beneficial

ones will be the ones where all the

players are included in the

decision-making so they know the purpose

of the area and how it will affect them

and they can give their input in the

next video we're going to look at giving

the fishermen the rights to an area and

letting them manage it