Abstract

Despite the growing use of marine protected areas and seasonal closures to promote the sustainable use of marine ecosystems, few studies have examined their socio-economic performance. This study details commercial fishermen’s views regarding the biological and socioeconomic performance of the expansion of the Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM) and the red hind seasonal closure off St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The analysis, which drew on 95 in-person closed-ended surveys and 14 semistructured interviews, showed that fishermen believed that the expansion enhanced fish production within the monument, but they were irresolute about its ability to protect spawning aggregations, replenish fish abundance outside its boundaries, and protect fish sensitive sites. Fishermen also reported that the expansion marginalized their livelihoods and the well-being of their local communities since access to productive lobster and conch grounds and a popular fish-aggregating device was curtailed. The perceived conservation benefits of the red hind seasonal closure were more tenuous but broadly mirrored those voiced for the BIRNM. Finally, fishermen stated that the mounting number of closures and gear restrictions has brought about severe economic hardships and has made them more reliant on the southern grounds, which are exposed to industrial and waste treatment effluent. This study underscores the need to closely monitor and assess the biological and socio-economic performance of closures in light of the underlying uncertainty of marine ecosystems and unintended consequences of social dynamics.

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