Fish-Free Reserve Helps Increase Fishermen's Catch

A red grouper in the Florida keys. — Populations of commercially-important species like this red grouper have increased following 'no-take' protections in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve in the Florida Keys. (Image credit: NOAA)

Both fishermen and fish species have benefited from "no-take" protections at a marine reserve in the Florida Keys, according to a government report.

The report found that overfished species — including red and black grouper, yellowtail and mutton snapper —have increased in abundance and size inside the reserve and throughout the area, according to a statement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In other words, there are more, and bigger, fish.

Meanwhile, commercial catches of reef-dwelling fish in the area have increased, and continue to rise, according to the statement.

"This research shows that marine reserves and economically viable fishing industries can coexist," said Sean Morton, with NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, in the statement. "The health of our economy is tied to the health of our oceans. They are not mutually exclusive."

Commercial catches in Key West had an estimated value of $56 million in 2011, up from $40 million in 2001, when the reserve was created, according to the report. Recreation and tourism support about 33,000 jobs in the Keys, it added.

Multiple studies from around the world have shown that marine reserves can replenish populations of fish outside the area by serving as spawning grounds and nurseries for young fish.

Reach Douglas Main at dmain@techmedianetwork.com. Follow him on Twitter @Douglas_Main. Follow OurAmazingPlanet on Twitter @OAPlanet. We're also on Facebook and Google+.

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Douglas Main loves the weird and wonderful world of science, digging into amazing Planet Earth discoveries and wacky animal findings (from marsupials mating themselves to death to zombie worms to tear-drinking butterflies) for Live Science. Follow Doug on Google+.