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.
New book analyzes two sides of the marine reserve debate: ‘nature protectionists’ vs. ‘social conservationists’
A new book on the science and advocacy of MPAs examines the rise of no-take marine reserves as a popular tool on the marine conservation agenda over the past 20 years, and how that political ascent occurred, including through papers in scientific journals. The book,...
Notes & news: Bahamas – Crowdsourced surveillance – Easter Island – MPA financing – WDPA user manual – From the MPA News vault
Bahamas designates 15 MPAs, expands 3 more In August 2015, The Bahamas announced designation of 15 new MPAs and 3 expansions of existing MPAs. The designations and expansions cover a total marine area of 45000 km2, and allow the nation to exceed its commitment of 10%...