This study used Ecopath, Ecosim, and Ecospace models with field data from Raja Ampat, Indonesia, to evaluate marine protected area (MPA) effectiveness. The authors found trade-offs between MPAs that allowed fishing and no-take zones and concluded that rapid reef fish rebuilding requires no-take protection.
- Modeling approach: Ecopath, Ecosim, and Ecospace applied to field data from Raja Ampat in the Coral Triangle
- Found trade-offs between no-take MPAs and those permitting some fisheries
- Key conclusion: rapid rebuilding of reef fish populations requires no-take zones (Varkey, Ainsworth, & Pitcher 2012, Journal of Marine Biology)
This study used marine ecosystem models (Ecopath, Ecosim, and Ecospace modeling software) to assess MPA effectiveness in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The authors took field data from this site in the heart of the Coral Triangle and found many trade-offs between MPAs that were designated no-take zones, and those that allowed some fisheries to operate. Rapid rebuilding of reef fish populations require no-take zones.
Author: Varkey, D. C.H. Ainsworth, and T.J. Pitcher
Year: 2012
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Journal of Marine Biology 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/721483
