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Researchers found that the no-take zone had higher lobster density and larger lobsters compared to the fished zone, but also had higher prevalence of shell disease and injury.
AUTHORS: Davies, C.E., Johnson, A.F., Wootton, E.C., Greenwood, S.J., Clark, K.F., Vogan, C.L. and Rowley, A.F.
DATE: December 2014
This study investigated the effects of marine conservation zones (MCZs) on the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in the Lundy Island Marine Conservation Zone, Bristol Channel, UK. Catch per unit was calculated and compared between the fished refuge zone and the no-take zone. Binomial logistic regression models were then used to examine the effects that site, sex, landing size, and loss of chelae had on the probability of shell disease and injury presence. The study found that the no-take zone had higher lobster density and larger lobsters compared to the fished zone, but also had higher prevalence of shell disease and injury.
This publication showed both the positive and potentially negative effects of no-take zones, and established methods for effective but non-lethal sampling of disease agents. Downloaded almost 2,000 times, this study emphasized the need for comprehensive, long-term monitoring of MCZs both before and after implementation.