When used in combination with fishing quotas, fishing gear restrictions and other ocean conservation and management practices, MPAs can effectively contribute to restoring depleted fish stocks. MPA benefits for fish also mean benefits for fishers in the shorter term and for future generations. There is now a growing body of evidence that shows that MPAs benefit fishers in many ways:
- Example A: Multiple scientific studies from around the world have shown that no-take MPAs enable a greater density of fish stocks to flourish within and outside of them. The spillover of a larger population from MPAs into areas where fishing occurs means greater potential for current and prospective fisheries and fish catches over time. (PISCO 2007)
- Example B: Scientific studies have shown that ecosystem (fish, invertebrate and seaweed) diversity increased by a substantial 39% within MPAs. Once species diversity is fully established within MPAs, the multiple species that spillover into adjacent fishing areas can provide fishers with the opportunity to diversify their fish catch over time. (PISCO 2007)
- Example C: Global scientific studies also show that no-take MPAs produce larger individuals (e.g. scallop and haddock) with biomass increasing as much as 446%. When populations of larger fish take hold and sustainable fishing protocols are in place, larger fish that spill over into fishing areas will become accessible to fishers outside of the no-take fishing areas. (PISCO 2007)
