Rapid Effects of Marine Reserves via Larval Dispersal
Author Information
Author(s): Cudney-Bueno Richard, Lavín Miguel F., Marinone Silvio G., Raimondi Peter T., Shaw William W.
Primary Institution: University of Arizona
Hypothesis
Can marine reserves benefit fished populations via larval dispersal, and if so, over what temporal and spatial scales?
Conclusion
Marine reserves can enhance recruitment to local fisheries rapidly, but the effects can vary significantly within different areas.
Supporting Evidence
- Local retention of larvae within a reserve network can enhance recruitment to local fisheries.
- Juvenile rock scallop density increased by up to 40.7% within coastal reserves.
- Black murex density increased more than three-fold in fished areas after reserve establishment.
Takeaway
Marine reserves help baby sea creatures grow and move to fishing areas quickly, but not everywhere benefits the same way.
Methodology
The study used a larval transport model combined with field oceanography and density counts of juvenile mollusks before and after the establishment of a marine reserve network.
Limitations
The effects of marine reserves may be overlooked if only overall responses are considered without examining finer spatial variations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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