A newly released study finds that areas closed to fishing, like the network of marine protected areas and reserves being established under California's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), are working to help rebuild depleted fisheries in regions around the world.  Such areas can "initiate recovery by providing refuge for overfished stocks, restoring community structure and biodiversity, protecting habitat features, and increasing ecosystem resilience."  This two year study - an important collaboration between Dr. Boris Worm, Dr. Ray Hilborn, and an international team of 19 co-authors - is a groundbreaking assessment of the status of marine fisheries and ecosystems.  The study finds that steps taken to curb overfishing, including marine protected areas (MPAs), gear restrictions and catch reductions, are beginning to succeed in five of the ten large marine ecosystems examined.

Scientists agree that MPAs are a key tool to help conserve and rebuild our ocean habitats and fisheries.  In California, groundfisheries collapsed in the late 1990s, pushing down fish catches and revenues.  Some species are now showing signs of recovery, due to two tools the new study deems essential for the California Current: catch reductions and areas closed to fishing.  However, a number of species, like cowcod and yelloweye rockfish and several species of abalone, have not begun to bounce back.  For those populations and for overall ocean health, additional steps are needed.  The study confirms that the MLPA is on the right track, and that its proactive approach can prevent potentially irreversible losses in the future.    

The authors' of the Science study explained that fishermen may resist use of the management tools because it is difficult to envision the long-term benefits of management changes, while the potential short-term impacts are more tangible.

The process of creating the network of MPAs in California is a model of an inclusive approach, empowering regional stakeholders to design  protected area proposals.  MPAs are part of a long-term ocean conservation strategy, and this new study shows that they work.  Five years of monitoring protected areas in the Channel Island further demonstrate the benefits and value of MPAs.  For example, contrary to dire predictions, the most valuable fisheries, including squid, urchins, lobster and crab, increased in value.

This video clip further explains how science supports MPAs in the case of the Marine Life Protection Act.  On August 5th the California Fish & Game Commission will vote to finalize the network of MPAs in the state's North Central Coast - public attendance of this important meeting is encouraged.  Let's hope that fear of short-term change does not get in the way of proven solutions that will provide long-term benefits for the environment and fishermen alike.