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Older marine reserves are more effective at protecting fish than newer reserves, according to a recent study. Reserves should be maintained for at least 15 years to allow fish numbers, particularly large, locally fished species, to recover.

Using the combined results of 33 studies from around the world, researchers in Canada assessed the effectiveness of marine reserves to protect fish species. The research focused on the densities of fish found inside and outside 32 reserves of different ages (from 1-26 years).

Relative fish densities were compared with the age of the reserve. The 'relative fish density' is the average number of individual fish of each species per unit area inside a reserve relative to that in a neighbouring, fished area. The researchers also considered body size, which was used as an indicator of the life history and ecology of the fish species.

Overall, the study found that fish were 66 per cent more abundant inside the reserves, compared with areas outside reserves. In addition, the older the reserve, the more effective it was. Fish density increased by about 5 per cent per year inside reserves compared with neighbouring areas outside reserves. Furthermore, significantly more fish were found inside reserves that were older than 15 years, compared with near-by unprotected areas.

The researchers suggest this does not imply that younger reserves will not be effective. Reserves should be maintained for at least 15 years after establishment, even if they initially appear ineffective, to see clear increases in fish densities. Most require more than a decade to provide significant benefits.

Sourced from DG Environment News Alert Service 'Science for Environmental Policy'. Full article.

Marine protection in the EU

Marine reserves are established to protect marine biodiversity, including the conservation of fish species vulnerable to overfishing. Protection and regulation of marine areas provides fish populations with a chance to recover. In addition, the spillover of adults, eggs and larvae from reserves into neighbouring areas benefits local fisheries and tourism.

The need to fully apply the Habitats and Birds Directives to the offshore marine environment of the European Union, especially with regards to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, represents a key challenge for EU biodiversity policy in the coming years.

The establishment of a marine network of conservation areas under Natura 2000 will significantly contribute, not only to the target of halting the loss of biodiversity in the EU, but also to broader marine conservation and sustainable use objectives.

Useful links

Learn more about EC efforts to establish Natura 2000 in the Marine Environment.

Discover Examples of the establishment of Marine Natura 2000 sites in the UK. 

Visit the Eurosite Workshop Events Calendar for upcoming marine conservation themed events, including the 2nd International Conference on Progress in Marine Conservation in Europe, 02-06.11.2009, Stralsund, Germany.