Relative and combined effects of habitat and fishing on reef fish communities across a limited fishing gradient at Ningaloo
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Published source details
Wilson S.K., Babcock R.C., Fisher R., Holmes T.H., Moore J.A.Y. & Thomson D.P. (2012) Relative and combined effects of habitat and fishing on reef fish communities across a limited fishing gradient at Ningaloo. Marine Environmental Research, 81, 1-11.
Published source details Wilson S.K., Babcock R.C., Fisher R., Holmes T.H., Moore J.A.Y. & Thomson D.P. (2012) Relative and combined effects of habitat and fishing on reef fish communities across a limited fishing gradient at Ningaloo. Marine Environmental Research, 81, 1-11.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Cease or prohibit all types of fishing in a marine protected area Action Link |
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Cease or prohibit all types of fishing in a marine protected area
A replicated, site comparison study in 2010–2011 at six coral reef sites in a marine park in the Indian Ocean, Western Australia (Wilson et al. 2012) found that the level of protection from fishing did not influence fish abundance, biomass and diversity between zones where no fishing was permitted for five to 20 years and fished zones. Total fish abundance, biomass and diversity of adult fish was similar between unfished and fished zones (data presented as fitted model outputs and statistical results), but some differences were found for fish grouped together based on diet/feeding behaviour (see paper for results by fish group). Sanctuary zones (free from fishing) in Ningaloo Marine Park were established in 1991 and 2005. At each of six sites within the reserve; three where no fishing is allowed, and three where some commercial fishing is permitted, a total of 9–14 patch reefs 2–4 m deep were surveyed. All adult fish visible on each reef were identified and counted by a single underwater observer in November 2010–January 2011.
(Summarised by: Rosslyn McIntyre)
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