Summarize some of the positive effects of establishing marine reserves

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Continuing studies of marine reserves such as those off the coast of Florida and in St. Lucia's Soufriere Marine Management Area have shown the clear benefits to fish and other marine wildlife. Besides boosting fish biomass and total catch and producing record?size fish, marine reserves were found to produce rapid and long?term increases in abundance, diversity, and productivity of many marine organisms. They decreased mortality and habitat destruction, lessened the likelihood of extirpation of species, and "seeded the seas" because protected species spread outside the reserve area. Establishing marine reserves is challenging because marine reserves are inherently more open than terrestrial systems making them difficult to manage and patrol, and it is clear that reserves need to be backed up by other management tools such as restrictions of commercial and sport fishing.