Spillover benefits from the world’s largest fully protected MPA

Abstract

Previous research has cast doubt on the potential for marine protected areas (MPAs) to provide refuge and fishery spillover benefits for migratory species as most MPAs are small relative to the geographic range of these species. We test for evidence of spillover benefits accruing from the world’s largest fully protected MPA, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Using species-specific data collected by independent fishery observers, we examine changes in catch rates for individual vessels near to and far from the MPA before and after its expansion in 2016. We find evidence of spillover benefits for yellowfin ( Thunnus albacares ) and bigeye tuna ( Thunnus obesus ).

Does the trick

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been shown to protect local populations of fishes. Questions have remained, however, about whether they would also work to protect species that migrate or travel over large distances. Medoff et al . looked at the effectiveness of a recently established—and thus far the largest—fully protected MPA located near Hawai’i, and found clear evidence that the protections afforded to two migratory species, bigeye and yellowfin tuna, led to spillover effects previously only seen for resident fish populations. —SNV

Abstract

Catch rates of yellowfin and bigeye tuna have increased near the boundaries of a large marine protected area in the Pacific Ocean.