Research Paper Overview
Marine reserves and parks have been instituted as a means of conservation and in
developing sustainable fisheries. However, are these reserves effective in achieving these
goals? How is larval dispersion impacted by currents and other oceanographic processes.
In order to conserve an area, researchers must know the habitat and how it functions.
How is biodiversity affected as a result of various outside forces. For example, the use of
destructive fishing gears. Which are major causes of habitat deterioration in temperate
and tropical regions. Seabed habitat has been greatly degraded and even destroyed by the
direct effects of dredging, trawling, long-lining, and dynamite fishing (Dayton et al.
1995; Roberts 1995). Ultimately what are the reasons for locking out fishermen from
these protected areas? What biological, chemical, and physical factors contribute to the
function of the habitat in supporting young fish populations which later disperse into
fishing grounds outside the reserve.
I have a lot of sources that I’m using through loan and haven’t been received yet.
However, here are some of the resources I intend on using.
Dayton, P.K., Thrush, S.F., Agardy, M.T., and Hofman, R.J. 1995. Environmental effects
of marine fishing. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosys. 5: 205-232.
Hawkins, J.P., Roberts, C.M., Dytham, C., Schelten, C., and Nugues, M.M. Effects of
habitat characteristics and sedimentation on performance of marine reserves in St.
Lucia. Biological Conservation. 2005.
Rodwell, L.D., Barbier, E.B., Roberts, C.M., and McClanahan, T.R. The importance of
habitat quality for marine reserve- fishery linkages. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and
Aquatic Sciences. Ottawa: Feb 2003. Vol. 60, Iss. 2; pg. 171