What is the aim of the review?
To systematically collate and synthesise published and
unpublished evidence in order to determine the impacts
of establishing temperate zone no take areas on density,
biomass and species richness of marine biota within reserve
boundaries. The review also aimed to ascertain whether
the impacts of no take areas vary in relation to taxon,
reserve parameters or organism parameters.
Who's in the review team?
At what stage is the review?
This review is now complete. What is the
rationale?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been proposed and designated
as a mechanism to address the problem of achieving sustainable
fisheries, while simultaneously preserving biodiversity.
However, empirical studies and research syntheses indicate
that there is considerable variation in the ecological
effects of MPAs and there is considerable debate over
whether they can produce fisheries benefits.
The Joint Nature Conservation
Committee (UK government body) proposed the question at
a stakeholder meeting of the Natural Environment Research
Council Knowledge Transfer, Science into Policy group.
Definition of question elements and the development of
a protocol was subsequently undertaken under the guidance
of the JNCC and with wider consultation of the scientific
community.
How were
the results obtained?
A number of electronic databases were searched for information
using a range of search terms. Internet searches were
conducted in order to retrieve any relevant grey literature.
In addition, the bibliographies of relevant articles were
examined for useful references. 3531 references were identified
through the search strategy; 34 of these were accepted
into the final review having met all inclusion criteria.
What
did the review find?
To read more about this review, its findings, and the implications for conservationists and researchers, please see the Summary or Full Report.
Comments?
If you would like to comment on any aspect of this review, please email us. Your feedback is appreciated. |
