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Publication year : 0
Thematic : Coral Reef
Language : English
Note
Coral reef ecosystems have been declining at an
alarming rate during recent decades, despite increasing
numbers of marine protected areas (MPAs) encompassing
coral reefs. However, many MPAs have not met
reserve objectives, inhibiting effective protection. This
study focuses on the potential effectiveness of a Hotel
Managed Marine Reserve (HMMR) at enhancing reef fish
stocks. Biannual visual fish census surveys were conducted
at two marine reserves adjacent to Whale Island
Resort, Vietnam, October 2005 to April 2007. The 6-year
protected Whale Island Bay Reserve (11 ha) showed
significantly higher fish densities, richness, average size,
and number of fish .15 cm compared with two unprotected
control sites. Fish stocks at a second newer
reserve, Whale Island Bay Peninsula (5 ha), quickly
increased after protection. This study has demonstrated
the effectiveness of HMMRs, suggesting a global network
of such privately managed reserves could play a part in
the conservation of the world’s coastal resources, while
alleviating financial pressure on governments.
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Keywords : Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
Encoded by : Pauline Carmel Joy Eje