Even hard-bitten biologists succumb to the temptations of fashionable ideas. Naturally the whole concept, presented that way, sends us ballistic because it looks like nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to put us out of business. However, the idea of marine protected areas also has some sound support in science as a way to protect and sustain commercial fishing.
Many scientists say that is just too little to assure stable populations of many species.
Since most fish are going to eventually wander outside those areas as adults, such reserves may actually help commercial fishermen in the long run, rather than hinder them, by always maintaining a steady adult population for harvest. Some believe that the U.S. Sustainable Fisheries Act may even require them as part of protecting critical habitat. This column is an effort to bring some sense to the debate as well as point out the pitfalls at either extreme. The one thing that is certain is that we cannot escape the debate itself. The issue of MPAs is already upon us, and it is important that our industry develop a rational and science-based position.