Evaluating effects of total and partial restrictions to fishing on Mediterranean rocky-reef fish assemblages

Effects of fish predation on Posidonia oceanica amphipod assemblages

“…The high densities of many fish species that we observed at the high fish predation site confirm the results of previous studies in the area (Di Franco et al 2009;Sahyoun et al 2013). These studies showed that in the sublittoral rocky habitats of the TMPA, fish (including amphipod feeders such as Sciaena umbra and Diplodus vulgaris) biomass and/or density is up to three times greater inside fully protected areas than in partially protected areas.…”

“…Two sites were chosen for this study: (1) Molarotto Island in Zone A, where access is restricted to scientists, reserve personnel and police authorities; and (2) Monte Pedrosu in Zone C, where commercial and recreational fishing are allowed under restricted conditions defined by the local Consortium Management of the TMPA, with the exception of spearfishing, which is totally banned. In the study area, the rocky-reef fish assemblages were studied in detail by Di Franco et al (2009) and Sahyoun et al (2013). Taking these studies as reference points, Molarotto Island had the highest fish density and is hereafter referred to as the HFD (high fish density) site, while Monte Pedrosu had the lowest fish density and is hereafter referred to as the LFD (low fish density) site.…”

“…Previous studies conducted at the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (TMPA; Italy, NW Mediterranean Sea) have revealed that fish assemblages that are mainly associated with rocky reefs clearly respond to protection, with a greater abundance and size of individuals in fully protected areas (where fishing is totally banned) than in partially protected areas inside the TMPA (where fishing is allowed but regulated) and fished areas outside the TMPA (where fishing occurs simply according to national laws) (Di Franco et al 2009;Sahyoun et al 2013). Several amphipod taxa that are associated with P. oceanica meadows exhibit lower densities and/or biomasses in the fully protected areas than in the partially protected areas of the TMPA (Sturaro et al 2014).…”

Can restrictions in Mediterranean artisanal fisheries be beneficial for target species?

“…The results of our study support the need to improve the management in partial reserves and quantitatively assess pressure of both professional (artisanal) and recreational fishing operating within and adjacent to MPAs (Di Franco et al 2009, Sciberras et al 2013, Tzanatos et al 2013.…”

“…Although MPAs with partial protection seem to bring about advantages, such as enhanced density and biomass of fish, compared to areas with no restrictions, the strongest responses occur for the areas with total exclusion of fishing activities (Sciberras et al 2013). In the Mediterranean, the comparison of the effects of total and partial restrictions to fishing on rocky-reef fish assemblages was undertaken by Di Franco et al (2009). Nevertheless, there is a strong need for more studies to conclusively determine under which conditions partially protected areas constitute a valuable spatial management tool, particularly in areas where exclusion of all extractive activities is not a socio-economically and politically viable option.…”