New research from the University of Sydney reveals that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs globally. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of strategic conservation efforts in preserving these vital marine ecosystems and the livelihoods they support.
Marine Protected Areas: Power in Restoration
The global study, conducted by Professor Joshua Cinner of the University of Sydney and Dr. Iain Caldwell of the Wildlife Conservation Society analyzed fish survey data from 2,600 tropical reef locations across the globe. By modeling, the researchers found that about 10 percent of existing fish biomass (the amount and size of fish in an area) can be tied to protections already in place, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
MpAs aRe ocEaN aREas ThAt goVeRnMents HaVe ClOsed To hUMAn acTiViTY And AR e vIeWEd As A VITaL MEAsURE FoR PRoTeCtArtIg MARinE HaBItAts. And even they are just a tiny percentage of the world’s oceans (about 8%)– but that is going to change soon. At the UN biodiversity conference in 2022,130 countries pledged a commitment to conserve land and water bodies across one-third of the world’s entire planet area by 2030. A pledge referred to as the 30×30 initiative.
Balancing Conservation and Livelihood
The team concludes that their research underscores the potential for targeted conservation to aid in fish stock recovery and thus livelihoods and nutrition for millions of people reliant on reef fish. Most fish they point out are still missing from the majority of global coral reefs, with Professor Cinner, Director of the Thriving Oceans Research Hub saying that while conservation efforts have helped increase fish on coral reefs globally “there is a lot more to do”.
While no-take zones (where fishing is prohibited altogether) provide the greatest benefits to fish biomass per unit area protected, other fisheries management approaches such as bans on certain types of fishing gear may also be effective and are likely more compatible with the subsistence pursuits of people who rely on reef fish for sustenance. Put another way, the study found that if fishing restrictions were applied to all unmanaged coral reefs today global stocks of coral reef fish would increase by an additional 10.5%, essentially matching all conservation efforts that have come before it.
The Future for Coral Reefs
Globally, coral reefs are challenged by a suite of human-induced stressors like climate change, over-fishing and pollution. According to the researchers, saving coral reef fish populations can still be done but will require all tools on deck — from no-take MPAs to better-managed fisheries.
Professor Cinner adds: “Fisheries restrictions are less effective area for area than no-take MPAs but fisheries restrictions are typically much more socially and politically palatable to fishers, so compliance can be higher, particularly across very large scales. The findings suggest a comprehensive marine conservation strategy should take into account the needs of both coral reef ecosystems and human communities that rely on them.
As the world takes steps towards the 30×30 target, the researchers aim for their study to assist policy makers and conservationists in identifying and prioritizing an optimal approach toward securing the future of our critically endangered coral reefs, and ultimately conserving these precious natural assets that not only provide wonderful benefits to nature but also invaluable services in support of humanity.
