New California law strengthens MPA enforcement by giving field officers discretion to cite lesser offense

Perspective | Success in the smallest marine reserve of Taiwan: A triumph anchored by effective enforcement, stakeholder support, and replenishment

By Ming-Shiou Jeng, Colin KC Wen, Jeng-Ping Chen

No-take marine reserves are increasingly designated in tropical coral reefs with the goals of maintaining biodiversity and subsidizing fisheries.  However, due to lack of enforcement and replenishment, many cases of reserves – including most of Taiwan's – have exhibited little difference in diversity or abundance inside their boundaries compared to outside.  These reserves have become "paper parks" where illegal fishing continues.  Failed marine reserves lead to disappointment in local communities and discourage the advocacy and designation of more reserves in future.

From the Editor: Big Changes at MEAM

From the Editor: Big Changes at MEAM

Dear MEAM Subscribers, There are several big changes happening at MEAM this month. First and foremost, MEAM is becoming what we informally refer to as ‘eMEAM’: an all-electronic newsletter that will be published monthly and feature even more applied,...