02 June, 2004

Willis et al. (2003): Protection of exploited fishes in temperate regions: high density and biomass of snapper Pagrus auratus.

Willis, T.J.; Millar, R.B.; Babcock, R.C. 2003. Protection of exploited fishes in temperate regions: high density and biomass of snapper Pagrus auratus (Sparidae) in northern New Zealand marine reserves. Journal of Applied Ecology 40: 214–227.

Rigorous empirical evidence for the recovery of exploited species within ‘no-take’ marine reserves is limited, especially in temperate regions. The relative density and size structure of snapper Pagrus auratus: Sparidae, were measured inside and outside three northern New Zealand marine reserves using baited underwater video every six months from October 1997 to April 1999. Snapper that were larger than the minimum legal size were estimated to be 14 times denser in protected areas than in fished areas, and the relative egg production was estimated to be 18 times higher. This species was thought to be too mobile to respond to area-based protection.

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