Using Adaptive and Fisheries Management to Increase MPA Success: A Case Study of the Gilbert Bay MPA [graduate project].
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The Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established in 2005 with the purpose of conserving the genetically discrete Gilbert Bay cod subpopulation. However, following the implementation of the MPA the cod subpopulation has continued to decline. Tagging studies revealed that adult Gilbert Bay cod travel outside of the MPA boundaries during the summer to feed. This coincides with the migration of offshore northern cod into inshore waters, resulting in the mixing of the cod subpopulations. A small commercial northern cod fishery operates adjacent to the Gilbert Bay MPA, in the area where northern cod and Gilbert Bay cod congregate. It is speculated that because of by-catch, the commercial fishery removes adult Gilbert Bay cod from the small subpopulation. One possible method for improving the effectiveness of the MPA is using a combination of management measures both inside and outside the MPA boundaries. This paper evaluates the use of adaptive management inside MPA boundaries and fisheries regulations outside of the MPA boundaries. Adaptive management could be used to strengthen the scientific indicators used to monitor the MPA and guide the development of new regulations. Fisheries regulations could be used to mitigate the impact of the commercial fishery on Gilbert Bay cod. This could be accomplished by implementing regulations to dissuade fishers from fishing near the MPA or encourage them to use fishing methods that minimize impacts on the by-catch. Using these management strategies at the same time could circumvent each of their limitations resulting in a more effective MPA.