No-take reserve networks: Sustaining fishery populations and marine ecosystems

Improved management approaches are needed to reduce the rate at which human s are depleting exploited marine populations and degrading marine ecosystem s. Networks of no-take marine reserves are promising management tools becau se of their potential to (1) protect coastal ecosystem structure and, funct ioning, (2) benefit exploited populations and fisheries, (3) improve scient ific understanding of marine ecosystems, and (4) provide enriched opportuni ties for non-extractive human activities. By protecting marine ecosystems a nd their populations, no-take reserve networks can reduce risk by providing important insurance for fishery managers against overexploitation of indiv idual populations. Replicated reserves also foster strong scientific testin g of fishery and conservation management strategies. Reserve networks will require social acceptance, adequate enforcement, and effective scientific e valuation to be successful. Processes for reserve establishment should acco mmodate adaptive management so boundaries and regulations can be modified t o enhance performance. However, even well-designed. reserve networks will r equire continued conservation efforts outside reserve boundaries to be effe ctive. Establishing networks of no-take reserves is a process-oriented, pre cautionary management strategy that protects functional attributes of marin e ecosystems. As an addition to fishery management practices and other cons ervation efforts, no-take reserve networks may improve the status of exploi ted populations while conserving marine resources for future generations.