Full compliance with harvest regulations yields ecological benefits: Northern Gulf of California case study

摘要: Summary 1. The Northern Gulf of California is an ecologically important marine area with a high degree biodiversity, endemism and productivity. Mounting conservation concerns have prompted researchers to propose new management regulations, restricting fishing protecting sensitive species. Compliance existing regulations poor. Rules that are currently in place, if followed, may go long way towards achieving the ecological goals management. 2. We conduct review fisheries this area. Then, using spatially explicit ecosystem model (Atlantis), we estimate benefits compliance regulations. 3. Under full scenario, find large increases protected species biomass within 25 years slowed rate degradation because fishing. However, costs industry about 30% its annual revenue. 4. We parse out offered by instruments (including spatial protections, seasonal fishery closures, gear restrictions, cessation illegal vessel buy-out programmes) conclude suite measures needed address major objectives. 5. Synthesis applications. This exercise quantifies improved enforcement provides benchmark which value future regulatory amendments can be assessed. Where poor, better served strengthening than enacting rules legislation.