A change of the seaward boundary of Goukamma Marine Protected Area could increase conservation and fishery benefits
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2009
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South African Journal of Science
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University of Cape Town
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Goukamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the South African temperate South Coast has been shown to be effective in maintaining a spawning stock of roman, Chrysoblephus laticeps (Sparidae). The larval ecology and the oceanographic conditions in the area suggest a good potential for the enhancement of roman stocks outside the reserve through larval dispersal. A high rate of illegal fishing just inside the seaward boundary of the MPA could severely compromise its function. We suggest that a change of the seaward boundary of the reserve to coincide with a latitudinal line could increase its function as a harvest refuge for resident reef fishes such as roman, facilitate voluntary compliance and monitoring and prosecution of illegal fishing without a significant negative impact on the commercial linefishing fleet in the area. Simple adjustments such as the one proposed here could be attempted at a number of South African MPAs as they would be beneficial to achieve fishery and conservation goals alike.
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Götz, A., Kerwath, S. E., Attwood, C. G., & Sauer, W. H. (2009). A change of the seaward boundary of Goukamma Marine Protected Area could increase conservation and fishery benefits. South African Journal Of Science, 105(9/10), 330-331.