The green tree frog changes its colour and pattern in response to light, moisture and temperature.
Marine conservation: net benefits
Marine conservation: net benefits A survey carried out by America's National Cente
for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis has discovered the benefits
and most effective management of 'no-take' reserves - areas around
the world when fishing is completely banned. These reserves show
tremendous success in increasing threatened species within two
years. The reserves showed "average increases of 91% in number of
fish, 31% in size of fish, and 23% in number of fish species
present." Not only do the fish in the reserve increase, but the
numbers of fish also increase on the edges of the reserves, where
fishing is permitted. The study also shows that a network of
smaller reserves protects more habitat diversity and more fish
species, as well as providing more perimeter area for fishermen.
The reserves are proven to benefit both the fish and the fishermen,
says Dr. Roberts of the University of York, but the challenge is to
convince fishermen and politicians that giving up 20-40% of their
fishing grounds will be a huge benefit for the industry and the
future of the ecosystems. FEBRUARY 14, 2001
Cool Articles
