SCIENTIST CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON THE ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
OF MARINE RESERVES
July 30, 2009
In our professional lives as marine biologists, ecologists, oceanographers and other scientists who
study coastal ecosystems including California’s, we have observed a decline in the overall health
of the ocean and the collapse of many fisheries. The ocean is in crisis, and there is a critical need
for more effective conservation of sensitive habitats, biodiversity, and populations of exploited
species. We find marine reserves to be a highly effective but under-utilized tool for addressing
these needs.
California’s Marine Life Protection Act calls for the creation of a science-based network of ocean
protected areas with a core of marine reserves to protect sensitive sea life and habitats. Such a
network can help restore the state’s ocean waters to health. Scientific studies of existing marine
reserves have shown increased fish size, abundance, and productivity, as well as increased
biodiversity and resilience.
The science is clear. It has never been more clear. Those waiting for scientific consensus on
this point should take note: the consensus is well established.
Marine reserves are effective within their boundaries:
 Reserves result in long lasting and often rapid increases in the abundance, diversity and
productivity of fish and marine life.
 Reserves reduce mortality, habitat destruction and probability of extinction for marine
species living within them, relative to fished areas.
Marine reserves are effective outside their boundaries:
 There is increasing evidence that reserves replenish populations locally, as studies have
found that the size and abundance of exploited species increase in areas next to reserves.
Marine reserve networks are effective:
 Marine reserve networks provide greater protection for marine communities than a single
marine reserve.
 An effective network needs to span large geographic distances to protect against
catastrophes.
Therefore, we are joining together to communicate to all Californians:
 Reserves are a critical tool for protecting marine species and providing heritage
protection to important habitats.
 Networks of marine reserves will be necessary for long-term fishery and conservation
benefits.
 Current scientific evidence justifies the immediate implementation of marine reserves as
a central ocean management tool.
 To meet goals for successful, productive fisheries and biodiversity conservation,
reserves must cover a diversity of marine habitats.
SIGNED
Sylvia Earle, PhD, Explorer in Residence, National Geographic Society, and Founder, Deep
Search Foundation
George Somero, PhD, David & Lucile Packard Professor in Marine Sciences, Associate Director
of Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University
Don Croll, PhD, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Santa
Cruz
Paul Montagna, PhD, Endowed Chair for Ecosystems Studies and Modeling, Harte Research
Institute, Texas A&M University
Peter Etnoyer, PhD, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University
Wallace “J.” Nichols, PhD, Research Associate, California Academy of Sciences
John Pearse, PhD, Emeritus, Research Professor of Biology, University of California at Santa
Cruz
Lance Morgan, PhD, Vice President for Science, Marine Conservation Biology Institute
Daniel P. Costa, PhD, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at
Santa Cruz
Scott Shaffer, PhD, Research Biologist and Lecturer, University of California at Santa Cruz
Bernie Tershy, Associate Adjunct Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology,
University of California at Santa Cruz
Gary B. Griggs, Director, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
Jennifer E. Caselle, PhD, Assistant Research Biologist, Marine Science Institute, University of
California at Santa Barbara
Robert Warner, PhD, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of
California at Santa Barbara
Benjamin Halpern, PhD, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of
California at Santa Barbara
Raphael M. Kudela, PhD, Associate Professor of Ocean Sciences, University of California at
Santa Cruz
James Lindholm, PhD,
James W. Rote Professor of Marine Science & Policy; and
Director,
Institute for Applied Marine Ecology, California State University Monterey Bay
Enric Sala, National Geographic Fellow, National Geographic Society
John J. Stachowicz, PhD, Professor of Evolution and Ecology, University of California at Davis
Baldo Marinovic, PhD, Baldo Marinovic, Research Biologist with the Institute of Marine
Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz
Gregor M. Cailliet, PhD, Professor of Marine Ecology, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and
California State University, Fresno
Bob Breen, MSc, Naturalist, Manager of Fitzgerald Marine Life Refuge, Retired
Jennifer E. Smith, Assistant Professor, Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps
Institution of Oceanography
Carolyn M. Kurle, Ph.D., Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of
California at Santa Barbara
Terrie M. Williams, PhD, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California
at Santa Cruz
Gary E. Davis, MSc, Chief Scientist, Ocean Programs, U. S. National Park Service, Retired