Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are now widely used for marine conservation and fisheries management, but the effects and benefits of MPAs may depend on what uses they allow or restrict. For many conservation and fisheries management goals, no-take zones or fully protected areas can provide the greatest benefits. As part of Belize’s expansion of its network of no-take zones (also referred to as replenishment zones) to include 10% of its marine territory, a global review of the benefits and potential social or economic costs of no-take zones was conducted. This review compiles and builds on over 20 years of research into the efficacy of no-take zones with respect to conservation, fishery, ecosystem function, social and economic benefits. The ecological and socio-economic factors that affect the ability of no-take zones to produce these benefits are also discussed. As part of this review, we examine the benefits provided by no-take zones in Belize and around the region. Our findings highlight numerous benefits from Belize and throughout the wider Caribbean region, including examples of how no-take zones may be effective for conservation and fishery management of key species like queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobster, and Nassau grouper. There is also evidence for the role of no-take zones in support of protecting or enhancing ecosystem function and coral reef resilience for Belize and across the region. While not all no-take zones will provide the same benefits and their effectiveness will be determined by various aspects of their design and implementation, well planned no-take zones should prove to be a valuable component of broader marine resource management for Belize and throughout the region.

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