Belize Protected Area Boosting Predatory Fish Populations

Belize Protected Area Boosting Predatory Fish Populations

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211229.htm

Summary- A 14 year old study by Wildlife Conservation Society in an atoll reef lagoon in Glovers Reef. Belize has found that fishing closures there produce encouraging increases in populations of predatory fish species. However the closures have resulted in only minimal increases in herbivorous fish. Which feed on the algae that smoother corals and inhibit reef recovery. Specifically the fishing closures have resulted in the recovery of species such as barracuda, groupers, snappers, and other predatory fish. Herbivorous fish managed only slight recoveries along with a small amount of the herbivory needed to reduce erect algae and promote the growth of more hard corals. This modest recovery of herbivorous fish has not been sufficient.

Critique- This study has taken place for 14 years. This study seems to be only on herbivorous fish, not any other fish.

Impact- The closures has only resulted in minimal increase of the herbivorous fish. Which feed on the algae that the smoother corals inhibit.