@article {485,
	title = {Spatial assessment of benefits of a coastal Mediterranean Marine Protected Area},
	journal = {Biological Conservation},
	volume = {136},
	year = {2007},
	abstract = {<p>Marine reserves are increasingly advocated not only as conservation but  also as fisheries management tools to safeguard the decline of coastal  fishing resources. Still, conclusive evidence of their functioning is  lacking, amongst others due to the influence of spatio-temporal  variations in fish populations and habitat heterogeneity which could  hamper a sound data interpretation. We conducted a spatial analysis of  the benefits of the Medes Island Marine Reserve by combining  geostatistical and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools.  Concurrently, we analysed effects of trends reflecting habitat  heterogeneity and spatial structuring of data on spatial predictions of  fish catch per unit effort (CPUE) and length. Predicted spatial patterns  showed the complexity and simultaneous action of trend factors leading  to mostly non-linear gradients in CPUE and length data. CPUE of total  fish and CPUE and length of common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus)  increased close to the Integral Reserve due to direct and indirect  reserve effects. CPUE and length of striped red mullet (Mullus  surmuletus) slightly increased also near the Integral Reserve, but  distinct reserve effects could not be identified due to the strong  influence of artificial reefs. We conclude that the spatial dimension of  the Buffer Zone, where artisanal fisheries are allowed, permits in  general protection only for target species, favouring a habitat with no  discontinuities from the reserve outwards. Our spatial approach to  assess reserve benefits provides major insights into complex systems  like coastal marine reserves in the northwestern Mediterranean. In  addition, it contributes to a crucial aspect of marine conservation,  viz. the decision on the spatial dimension of protected areas.</p>},
	keywords = {artificial reef, artisanal fishery, assessment, benefit, buffer zone, common pandora, conservation, CPUE, fish, fishery, GIS, habitat, heterogeneity, integral reserve, island, management, management tool, marine protected area, marine reserve, Medes, Mediterranean sea, mullidae, Mullus surmuletus, no-take area, Pagellus erythrinus, population, protected area, protection, reefs, reserve effect, trend, western Mediterranean, zoning},
	author = {V. Stelzenmuller and P. Martin and F. Maynou}
}
