Spillover benefits from the world’s largest fully protected MPA

Research demonstrates that the world's largest fully protected marine protected area (MPA), Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides measurable spillover benefits for migratory tuna species. Specifically, catch rates for yellowfin and bigeye tuna increased significantly near the MPA following its expansion in 2016, compared to areas farther from it. This finding challenges skepticism about MPAs' ability to support fishery spillover benefits, often attributed to their small size relative to migratory species' ranges. The study analyzed independent fishery observer data for individual vessels, comparing catch rates before and after the MPA's expansion. These results underscore the potential for large-scale, fully protected areas to enhance fisheries sustainability by supporting migratory fish populations.

Medoff, S., Lynham, J., & Raynor, J. (2022). Spillover benefits from the world’s largest fully protected MPA. Science, 378(6617), 313–316. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abn0098