FIVE years have now passed since Mexico government established the Revillagigedo National Park, which stands as the largest fully protected marine area in North America.
A new research study reports that there have been no negative impacts on the fishing sector because of this bold conservation effort.
This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle to balance the needs of industry with the crucial imperative to protect our planet's precious marine natural resources.
Creation of North America’s largest no-take marine protected area
In 2016, National Geographic's Pristine Seas and Mares Mexicanos initiatives joined forces to carry out a scientific expedition that collected the most extensive data from the Revillagigedo Archipelago to date.
Using cutting-edge technology, including cameras that can dive to 3,000 metres and a three-person submarine that travels to a depth of 500 metres, as well as the satellite tagging of highly migratory species, they were able to demonstrate the importance of fully protecting this archipelago that encompasses four volcanic islands located approximately 700 kilometres west of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, in the Tropical Eastern Pacific.
Based on this scientific report, on 24 November 2017, Mexico implemented a decree that formalized the creation of the Revillagigedo National Park.
It became the largest no-take marine protected area (MPA) – which prohibits the removal or significant destruction of natural or cultural resources – in North America, covering an area of 147,000 square kilometres and putting Mexico among the world leaders in marine conservation.
It wasn't easy to convince many sectors of Mexican society to take this significant step, in particular the industrial fishing fleet that used to fish around the islands; but beyond the political will that enabled this achievement, this marine reserve has achieved great undertakings.
Dismissing ideas that ocean protection poses a threat to fisheries
In a new study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers reveal that large-scale, offshore and fully protected marine areas (no-take MPAs) protect biodiversity without negatively impacting fishing and food security.
Drawing on data from satellite tracking, fish catches reported by the Mexican Fisheries Commission, and advanced artificial intelligence tools developed by the Allen Institute for AI’s Skylight platform, the authors answered a series of key questions.
First, they determined whether the establishment of this no-take MPA had successfully reduced fishing activities within its bounds; second, they tested whether there had been any discernible impact on fishing catches; and finally, they answer whether the creation of the protected area had led to the displacement of fishing activities onto a larger area, ultimately resulting in a negative impact on marine biodiversity.
Using government-mandated GPS data from some 2,000 fishing vessels, researchers analyzed the fishing behaviours of this fleet in the high seas, in Mexico’s Exclusive Economic Zone and within the Revillagigedo National Park.
With the help of machine learning techniques, they scrutinized patterns of vessel movement to identify any significant changes associated with the creation of the park. Contrary to the Mexican fishing industry's claims of 20% negative impacts on fish landings, the park had not had any adverse effect on the industrial fleet's catches.
Additionally, the no-take MPA creation did not drive fishing vessels to venture further in search of fish, meaning that the park had not increased the area used for fishing. Only a handful of isolated cases of illegal fishing within the no-take MPA had been detected since 2017.
The result of the study challenges a long-held belief by members of industries and academia, dismissing the notion that ocean protection measures pose a threat to fisheries. Instead, it presents a solution to help an industry grappling with the repercussions of overfishing and the ravages of global warming.
World Economic Forum
Sat Jun 10 2023
The findings come as the world seeks to protect and conserve at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. - REUTERS/Filepic
Lebanon's only burn unit treats toddlers after Israeli strikes
The hospital hallways echo with the screams of children as anxious parents await news from doctors.
AI revolutionising sports to develop world-class athletes
Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036?
Selangor records 1,354 out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies from 2023 to Sept 2024
Anfaal Saari emphasises the seriousness of the issue, especially involving children and teenagers under 18 years old.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
The study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia.
Guitar bought by Beatles' teenage Harrison for GBP58 sells for more than GBP1 million
A guitar bought by George Harrison for about GBP58 has sold at auction for more than GBP1 million (US$1.27 million), the PA Media news agenc
Duct-taped banana goes for $6.2 mln in Sotheby's art auction
A piece of art that is little more than a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction to cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Australian teen dies from tainted liquor in Laos; fourth suspected victim
Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the govts of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.
Woman found in freezer died from chest injuries - Police
Preliminary post-mortem report reveals that the victim died from chest injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Malaysia, Vietnam to further cooperate in multiple sectors - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the collaboration will also leverage the ASEAN Energy Grid to foster regional growth.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or govt identification to enforce social media age cut-off.
Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock's death within six months
Judge says the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.
Zii Jia secures spot in BWF World Tour Finals
This will be Lee Zii Jia's third appearance at the season-ending tournament, following the 2020 and 2021 editions.
PM: Media freedom recognition needs improvement but 3Rs limit action
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters.
Malaysian man to be publicly caned at mosque for Islamic crime of close proximity
This punishment involves caning, but what makes it unusual this time is the judge's decision for it to be conducted publicly.
Son of Norway crown princess detained for one week in rape probe
Marius Borg Hoiby is suspected of having sexual encounters with two women who were either unconscious or incapacitated.
Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends
Gaza truce talks stall as the US vetoes a UN resolution calling for an unconditional, permanent ceasefire.
As 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as key regional agenda - Nik Nazmi
As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia will prioritise climate change as a key regional agenda, aligned with the theme of 'inclusivity and sustainability,' said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmen
Malaysia to host ASEAN round table meeting in 2025 focusing on online service licensing
Datuk Mohamad Fauzi says the roundtable will share perspectives, experiences, and challenges on online service licensing in ASEAN.
Macron’s X post in Malay sparks admiration among netizens
The post, though brief, was written entirely in Malay, sparking admiration and curiosity among netizens.