CalOceans News

Study: Marine reserves boost lobster fisheries

A team of marine scientists released a study last week showing that the spillover of lobsters from marine reserves more than compensates for lost fishing grounds.  During the 10 year study period, the net gain to fishermen was about 10% annually.

The study, published this month in the magazine Marine Ecology Progress Series, was conducted by researchers of the Balearics Oceanographic Centre of the Spanish Oceanography Institute with collaboration from scientists at the universities of Washington and Michigan.

This is further evidence that science-based marine protected areas are good for the ocean as well as our economy. By investing in our ocean resources through the use of protected areas, we are ensuring the long-term viability of our commercial fishing industries as well.

• Tags:
• fisheries
• marine reserves
• marine science
• Marine Protected Areas
• lobster