Marine protected areas and managing fished ecosystems
How to cite this publication:
Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Sylvie Guenette, Jackie Alder, David Pollard and Ratana Chuenpagdee (1999). Marine protected areas and managing fished ecosystems. Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI Report R 1999:4)
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 socio-economic needs of the fishing community are reconciled.
