In Case You Missed It: Landmark Study Says That Management Techniques Like Marine Protected Areas Critical to Rebuilding Fish Stocks
Ocean Conservancy
Earth Times
08/03/2009
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The premise of California's ocean habitat protection strategy for the past decade has just been validated -- again -- by a major scientific study.
A major research effort conducted over two years involving 21 scientists who surveyed 166 areas where specific fish species are caught, which was published in Science today, found that management techniques such as marine protected areas are a critical tool for rebuilding fish stocks.
Marine protected areas are a cornerstone of California's ocean management strategy under the Marine Life Protection Act.
Last week, 27 prominent California ocean experts unveiled a statement of scientific consensus that states, "Networks of marine reserves will be necessary for long-term fishery and conservation benefits;" adding that, "Current scientific evidence justifies the immediate implementation of marine reserves as a central ocean management tool."
Among the signers was prominent oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Dr. Earle has logged more than 6500 hours underwater and led over 70 expeditions. She received the 2009 TED Prize for her efforts to establish a global network of marine protected areas.
