CalOceans News

National Geographic highlights value of marine reserves

Marine ecologist Enric Sala is one of the authors of a recent study published in PLoS Biology on human impacts on coral reefs.  He comments on the study's findings in National Geographic, offering a great side note on the effectiveness of marine protected areas. 

The study, conducted on 2,000 reefs worldwide, highlights the benefits of balancing the “take” with “give” in man’s relationship with the ocean.

Marine reserves get a special mention when Sala credits the remarkable connection between these ocean sanctuaries and a thriving ocean:

“Fish biomass increases an average of five times in these reserves relative to adjacent unprotected areas — and after a few years fish spill over and fishermen increase their catch around the reserves”.

Sala offers that the key to bringing balance to our waters lies with no-take areas.  The study also confirms the ability of the ocean to heal itself once these protected areas are in place:

“We know how to bring ocean biodiversity back: with good fisheries management and creating more no-take marine reserves.”

The article is a powerful testament to the benefits of marine protected areas for everyone that depends on a healthy ocean for work or play.

“In the end, it’s not just about the fishes, it’s about us enjoying all those wonderful services that we need so desperately — and the dollars they bring to our economy. If we want to be able to eat more fish, and to make more money out of the ocean, let’s keep more fish in it. Let’s be selfish for once”.

The full article can be found here.

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• enric sala
• National Geographic
• ecosystem services
• biodiversity
• science

Marine preserves pay

Marine Ecologist Enric Sala (a National Geographic Explorer and Scripps Institution of Oceanography Professor) explains that the "economy versus environment"frame for ocean protection is a false choice.  We can have more fish and catch them too with well-designed marine protected areas and reserves. 
Sala says that marine preserves can increase the quality of fishermen's catches in the near term, increase their long-term job security, and boost tourism and recreation. As Sala puts it, a marine reserve is a savings account and you have to keep up a principle balance in order to maintain an income from it.

Additionally, marine reserves actually create jobs, and for just a fraction of the cost of what we're currently spending on unsustainable fishing subsidies.

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• mlpa
• Marine Life Protection Act
• marine protected area
• mpa
• enric sala
• marine preserve
• ocean economy