9781888569605-ch145
Benthic Habitats and the Effects of Fishing
Symposium Abstract: Biological and Socio-Economic Implications of a Limited-Access Fishery Management System
R. E. Blyth, M. J. Kaiser, G. Edwards-Jones, and P. J. B. Hart
doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781888569605.ch145
Marine reserves are considered to be effective conservation tools in tropical waters, but to date few studies have determined the economic and biological implications of limited access fishery management systems in temperate zones. The Inshore Potting Agreement (IPA), a fishery management system operated off the south coast of the United Kingdom, was conceived to reduce conflict between fishers that operate towed bottom-fishing gears and fishers that operate static gears. This system has operated on a voluntary basis since 1978, and covers an area of 480km2. In this study, an interview survey of fishers, associated industry members and interested parties determined the economic implications of the IPA. Long-term recreational angling records from within and outside the area of the IPA were analysed to determine possible biological benefits for large-bodied fishes. The results suggest that the long-term maintenance of the IPA is likely to have greater economic and social benefits for local communities than if the area was open to all fishing activities.
