ORCID
- Sheehan, Emma: 0000-0002-1066-8237
- Attrill, Martin: 0000-0002-4039-031X
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can either protect all seabed habitats within them or discrete features. If discrete features within the MPA are to be protected humans have to know where the boundaries are. In Lyme Bay, SW England a MPA excluded towed demersal fishing gear from 206 km(2) to protect rocky reef habitats and the associated species. The site comprised a mosaic of sedimentary and reef habitats and so 'non reef' habitat also benefited from the MPA. Following 3 years protection, video data showed that sessile Reef Associated Species (RAS) had colonised sedimentary habitat indicating that 'reef' was present. This suggested that the functional extent of the reef was potentially greater than its visual boundary. Feature based MPA management may not adequately protect targeted features, whereas site based management allows for shifting baselines and will be more effective at delivering ecosystem goods and services.
DOI
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.004
Publication Date
2013-11-15
Publication Title
Mar Pollut Bull
Volume
76
Organisational Unit
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Keywords
Benthos, Ecosystem, Fisheries, Management, Marine Protected Area, Recovery, Animals, Conservation of Natural Resources, England
First Page
194
Last Page
202
Recommended Citation
Sheehan, E. V., Cousens, S., Nancollas, S., Stauss, C., Royle, J., & Attrill, M. (2013) 'Drawing lines at the sand: evidence for functional vs. visual reef boundaries in temperate Marine Protected Areas.', Mar Pollut Bull, 76, pp. 194-202. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.004
