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Over several decades of experience, areas where strict Nono-Take take regulations have been in effect have shown some of the most dramatically positive ecological results of any management method. Such benefits can be most clearly seen in areas that have remained relatively pristine thanks to long-standing protection. Significant portions of the Great Barrier Reef off the Australian coast have been protected from human disturbance for over 30 years (Australian Department of Environment and Heritage 2006) with compelling results. Studies in Nono-Take take areas of the park show that the biomass of certain fish species has been maintained at levels up to several orders of magnitude higher than in nearby fished areas (Evans & Russ 2004).
Marine Reserves reserves have also been shown to facilitate the recovery of severely damaged ecosystems. For instance, large sections of Georges Bank off the coast of Massachusetts were closed to fishing in 1995. Hermen, Collie, and Valentine (2003) began noting "steady and marked increase...in production" within just a few years after the closure. As a matter of fact, the improved survival rate of the 1995 year class of cod on Georges Bank was noted as the primary source of increased biomass for the four year period following the closures (Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans 1999). In general, signs of recovery can appear quickly, sometimes within 2-5 years of the establishment of a No-Take Areano-take area, and tend to persist for as long as protection remains in effect (Gell & Roberts 2003).
Furthermore, the benefits of Nono-Take Zones take zones are inherently ecosystem-based; that is, they are generally seen across a broad taxonomic range of organisms as well as in the improved state of the non-living habitat (Gell & Roberts 2003). These types of positive ecological results of No-Take zones have been seen around the globe, and are well documented in the scientific literature and well accepted by the scientific community.
In addition, Marine Reserves marine reserves provide significant value for scientific research by being a control against which outside changes can be compared. This can greatly alleviate one of the historic problems of ecological science: the difficulty in interpreting results from the "experimental" areas that have been disturbed by human activities. Long-established marine reserves provide researchers with a baseline healthy ecosystem that cannot be fully duplicated with any other methods or models. Even areas closed due to severe environmental damage can provide important data, such as the natural recovery rates of various species and habitats. In particular, such data allows a quantitative judgment on the effectiveness of Marine Reserves marine reserves in facilitating the recovery of fisheries and ecosystems (Hermens, Collie, & Valentine 2003). This type of science that only Marine Reserves marine reserves can provide is useful not only for examining and adjusting the MPAs themselves, but also for informing and improving management systems outside of the reserves.
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Despite common assertions to the contrary, Marinemarine Reservesreserves can have significant economic benefits to society, including the assurance of long-term, sustainable fisheries. Admittedly, one of the unfortunate short-term effects of marine reserves is the displacement of fishermen due to the reduction of fishable waters, higher levels of congestion, and potential competition. However, in the long term, the establishment of a network of protected areas will inevitably create "optimal harvesting area\[s\]" with "higher resource rents" (Grafton, Komas, & Pham 2006) under controlled fishing rates. Our particular proposal is designed to mitigate the short term costs, while attempting to ensure that enough of the ocean is protected so that the future potential can be realized. |
But perhaps even more exciting are the beneficial economic effects of Marine Reserves marine reserves through tourism and other non-exploitative activities. According to the National Marine Protected Areas Center (1995-1996), the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and other marine-related parks and refuges provide an "estimated total tourist contribution to the economy of over 60 percent." Considering the scale of tourism in areas such as the Florida Keys, this is a truly significant percentage. Myriad activities such as scuba diving, wildlife watching, boating, surfing, and snorkeling are part of this large, lucrative, and growing industry.
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Research and Education:
Marine Protected Areas protected aareas can be a fantastic resource for ocean education. Bringing awareness of ocean and environmental issues through tourism and visitation is an effective form of mass education. For a public that is generally aware of the wonder of the marine ecosystem, an experience with snorkeling or glass-bottomed boats could be truly amazing. If even a few can be truly inspired by an experience with a relatively pristine ecosystem, then the endeavor will have been a success. Such experiences can be formalized and reinforced by knowledgeable park staff, informational displays, and other techniques common to national parks and other environmental areas worldwide.
Of course, the educational benefits of marine reserves should not be limited to those with physical access to the reserves. Modern technology, such as webcams and internet connections can bring substantial contact with Marine Reserves marine reserves to people and classrooms worldwide. Integrated undersea data and sensor networks, similar to the pioneering Monterey Accelerated Research System, can provide continuous, detailed scientific information about the Marine Reserves marine reserves to all who seek it (MBARI 2007). Scientific information and corresponding visuals can be effectively integrated into all levels of formal education, from grade school to professional research. Simple exposure to ocean literacy in school will create a more environmentally aware populace. In addition, the fact that kids often bring what they learned from school home with them will further broaden the potential reach of marine reserves (Nugent 2004).
Furthermore, MPAs are capable of enhancing marine research as with the Ecological Characterization Project undertaken by the National Marine Protected Areas Center (2006). The creation of a scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of research undertaken in MPAs and Marine marine reserves would also be a useful tool for research and education. Additionally the profits of such a journal (from membership fees and subscriptions) could be distributed back to the MPA from which the data were collected.
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