Comparative analysis of artisanal and recreational fisheries for Dentex dentex in a Marine Protected Area

Published source details Marengo M., Culioli J.-M., Santoni M.-C., Marchand B. & Durieux E.D.H. (2015) Comparative analysis of artisanal and recreational fisheries for Dentex dentex in a Marine Protected Area. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 22, 249-260.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Cease or prohibit spearfishing Action Link

Cease or prohibit spearfishing

A replicated, site-comparison study in 2000–2012 of mixed bottom (rock, sand and seagrass Posidonia oceanica) areas inside and outside a marine reserve in the Mediterranean Sea, off Corsica (Marengo et al. 2015) found that catch rates of common dentex Dentex dentex targeted by two different fishery types were higher in zones where spearfishing was prohibited for one to three years, compared to a zone that allowed it and/or areas outside the reserve. For the artisanal fishery (small commercial boats), average catch rate differed between all three zones and was highest in the no spearfishing zones (no spearfishing: 99, general: 17, outside: 26 g/50 m net). For recreational fishing activity, average catch rate in the no spearfishing zones was higher compared to the general zone (no spearfishing: 355, general: 56 g/50 m net) (no catch data outside). Bonifacio Strait Natural Reserve (79, 640 ha) was created in 1999 and has four partially protected zones (each encompassing no-take zones) where spearfishing is prohibited but small-scale artisanal (mainly trammel nets and longlines) and other recreational fishing (mainly longlines and hook and line) is permitted. In the rest of the reserve (general zone) spearfishing is allowed. A total of 962 commercial artisanal boats were sampled May-July 2000 to 2012 (except 2009) onboard or on landing, and 459 recreational boats between March-October in 2006, 2008, 2011. Retained dentex catch was recorded by zone fished (inside reserve: partially protected and general zones, and outside reserve), gear type, and fishing effort.

(Summarised by: Khatija Alliji/Natasha Taylor)