A recent investigation into the Great Barrier Reef has uncovered that the system of no-take marine reserves contributes to nearly 50% of the coral trout caught in the area.
A recent investigation into the Great Barrier Reef has uncovered that the system of no-take marine reserves contributes to nearly 50% of the coral trout caught in the area.
Conducted by Professor Michael Bode from QUT’s School of Mathematical Sciences and published in Science Advances, the study found that, although these protected zones cover only 30% of the reef’s habitat, they are responsible for 47% of the coral trout catch in fishing zones and contribute 55% to the species’ breeding.
The Great Barrier Reef is safeguarded by a system of marine reserves aimed at protecting its biodiversity. These reserves provide critical habitats for various species, notably the coral trout, which is the reef’s key commercial fish.
“The marine reserve network on the Great Barrier Reef serves not only as a conservation strategy but also plays a crucial role in maintaining sustainable local fisheries and jobs,” Professor Bode remarked.
“By safeguarding fish populations in these no-take zones, we ensure not only the preservation of biodiversity but also the promise of a new generation of fish for areas open to fishing. This clearly illustrates how protected zones can also aid local communities and the economy while upholding the reef’s exceptional biodiversity.”
The analysis, carried out by a team that includes scientists from James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, employed decades of fish surveys, advanced oceanographic modeling, and detailed reef mapping.
Significantly, the results indicate that although marine reserves limit the space available for commercial fishing, they positively enhance fishery yields. On many reefs, the population density of fish within reserves is two to three times greater than on fished reefs, leading to increased reproductive output and a more sustainable fishery.
The study also points out that all reefs in the system gain from the marine reserves due to increased larval supply.
Across the Great Barrier Reef, nearly 95% of reefs receive at least 30% of their larvae from the reserves, and 93% of fished reefs rely on at least 30% of their catch coming from protected areas.
“This study reinforces the notion that effectively managed marine reserves can create benefits for both conservation and the fishing sector,” Professor Bode added.
“The findings provide solid direction for future marine management strategies, demonstrating that these reserves significantly enhance sustainable fishery yields and bolster the resilience of coral reef ecosystems.”
