Assessing the Effectiveness of Marine Reserves on Unsustainably Harvested Long‐Lived Sessile Invertebrates

A first quantitative assessment of poaching within a marine reserve revealed significant negative impacts on long-lived sessile invertebrates, particularly Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum). The study found that colonies in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, where recreational diving is permitted and poaching occurred post-establishment, were significantly smaller than predicted growth models and those in strictly protected areas without fishing or diving. Poaching was linked to a 60% loss of coral biomass, while abrasion from divers correlated with reduced colony size, suggesting increased mortality rates for larger colonies. The research highlights the effectiveness of enforced prohibitions on fishing and diving in preserving unsustainably harvested species.

LINARES, C., GARRABOU, J., HEREU, B., DIAZ, D., MARSCHAL, C., SALA, E., & ZABALA, M. (2011). Assessing the Effectiveness of Marine Reserves on Unsustainably Harvested Long‐Lived Sessile Invertebrates. Conservation Biology, 26(1), 88–96. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01795.x