Abstract

Due to littoral ecosystems degradation and overfishing, a decrease of stocks of coastal species with strong economical interest occurred in Caribbean in the last decades. In order to block this process, M.P.A.s have been implemented in different zones in Martinique. Experimental fishing with traps is used in the purpose to assess effects of two M.P.A.s: Ramier Island RI (Caribbean coast) and Bay of Robert BR (Atlantic coast). Here are presented a description of catches of protected areas and surrounding non protected areas occurred in one sampling period in March and April 2007. Biomasses inside both M.P.A.s were respectively at RI and BR 61% and 68% of total catch. 5 families on 23 caught represented 80% of total capture: Acanthuridae, Scaridae, Lutjanidae, Haemulidae and Serranidae. At RI, catches of Scaridae, Lutjanidae and Acanthuridae were higher inside the M.P.A than outside and those of Serranidae and Haemulidae were similar in both areas. At BR, all families had higher catches inside than outside the protected area. Catches rates were quite different between RI and BR. M.P.A.s are an important tool for stocks management but captures composition and abundance are also dependent on habitats.

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