IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

From microbes to people: tractable benefits of no-take areas for coral reefs
Graham, N.A.J.; Ainsworth, T.D.; Baird, A.H.; Ban, N.C.; Bay, L.K.; Cinner, J.E.; De Freitas, D.M.; Diáz-Pulido, G.; Dornelas, M.; Dunn, S.R.; Fidelman, P.I.J.; Foret, S.; Good, T.C.; Kool, J.; Mallela, J.; Penin, L.; Pratchett, M.S.; Williamson, D.H. (2011). From microbes to people: tractable benefits of no-take areas for coral reefs, in: Gibson, R.N. et al. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 49. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 49: pp. 105-136
In: Gibson, R.N. et al. (2011). Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 49. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 49. CRC Press: Boca Raton. ISBN 978-1-4398-5364-1; e-ISBN 978-1-4398-5365-8. vii, 352 pp., more
In: Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review. Aberdeen University Press/Allen & Unwin: London. ISSN 0078-3218; e-ISSN 2154-9125, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Graham, N.A.J.
  • Ainsworth, T.D.
  • Baird, A.H.
  • Ban, N.C.
  • Bay, L.K.
  • Cinner, J.E.
  • De Freitas, D.M.
  • Diáz-Pulido, G.
  • Dornelas, M.
  • Dunn, S.R.
  • Fidelman, P.I.J.
  • Foret, S.
  • Good, T.C.
  • Kool, J.
  • Mallela, J.
  • Penin, L.
  • Pratchett, M.S.
  • Williamson, D.H.

Abstract
    The number of no-take marine protected areas (here referred to as no-take areas, NTAs) on coral reefs has increased considerably in recent decades. Coincident with accelerating degrada- tion of coral reefs, expectations of the benefits that NTAs can provide for coastal societies and sustainability of marine ecosystems has grown. These include increasing abundance of reef organisms both inside and outside NTAs, protecting key ecosystem functions, and providing social and economic benefits through improved fisheries and tourism. However, there is a lack of convincing evidence for many of these expectations. This is the first attempt to synthesize all potential costs and benefits of coral reef NTAs and critically examine evidence of their impacts on both ecosystems and societies. NTAs with high compliance consistently increase the diversity, density and biomass of exploited reef fishes and certain groups of motile invertebrates within their boundaries and have benefits for reef-associated tourism. Some NTAs provide small increases in the abundance of cor- als and decreases in macroalgal cover. The effects of NTAs on genetic diversity and connectivity among meta-populations are variable or as yet unquantified. There is limited evidence of NTAs providing social benefits through increased fishery yields and tourism revenue. There are examples of both positive and negative effects on social well-being. Finally, sharks, marine megafauna and microbial communities showed few tangible benefits from NTAs. Substantial gaps in the science of coral reef NTAs remain, especially in their capacity to provide socioeconomic benefits. A crucial research priority is understanding how the cumulative effects of climate change will influence the various benefits that NTAs provide. To be effective, NTAs must be used in conjunction with a range of other management tools and applied according to local environmental and societal contexts.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors