Submitted Final Report to the Pacific Council: “Marine Reserves To Supplement Management of West Coast Groundfish Resources--Phase 1: A Technical Analysis” by R.H. Parrish, J. Seger and M. Yoklavich
Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: The Final Report was submitted to the Staff of the Pacific Council.
Background: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been suggested as one method to assist in the management of Pacific Coast Groundfish. Two NMFS and one Council staff were assigned the task of developing a white paper to provide background on the potential for incorporating MPAs as a management technique.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: The Pacific Fishery Management Council specified a two- phase process to consider marine reserves as part of an integrated scheme to sustain a healthy ecosystem and more effectively manage the West Coast groundfish fisheries. The goal of the first phase was to develop a conceptual evaluation of marine reserves and this phase was to conclude with the Council’s decision on whether or not marine reserves have a role in Council fishery management.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: During the first phase, an Ad Hoc Marine Reserve Committee (MRC), which was appointed by the Council, developed management objectives that might be addressed by marine reserves. Major marine reserve options were identified for analysis as well as non-reserve options that might address similar objectives. This report provides a technical evaluation of the expected impacts of marine reserves, particularly with respect to the identified objectives and the major options that were developed by the MRC.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): The Pacific Council recently adopted a Strategic Plan that suggested that Marine Reserves occupying 5%, 10% and 20% of the habitat should be assessed under Phase 2 to determine the optimum use of MPAs in the Groundfish Management Plan.
Problems: No funding for Phase 2 has been identified and staff are not available to carry out the assessment.
Key Contact: Richard Parrish (831-648-9033; rparrish@noaa.gov).