Fig. 2.1 shows a map of a proposed marine protected area (MPA) along a tropical coastline. Sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas are used...

(a) The no-take zone (Zone A) is positioned directly over and surrounding the coral reef. [1]

This placement ensures the most ecologically sensitive habitat receives the highest level of protection.

(b) Why coral reefs are areas of high biodiversity: [2]

• Coral reefs provide a wide variety of habitats and niches due to their complex three-dimensional structure. The branching coral, crevices, overhangs and sandy patches between coral heads each support different communities of organisms. [1]
• This structural complexity supports organisms at many trophic levels, from photosynthetic algae and coral polyps at the base, through herbivorous fish, invertebrates (sea urchins, starfish, crustaceans) and small predatory fish, up to large predators (groupers, sharks). Coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. [1]

(c) Two differences between management rules in Zone A and Zone B: [4]

Difference 1:

• In Zone A (no-take zone), all fishing and extraction of organisms is completely prohibited. No marine life may be removed, whether commercially or recreationally. [1]
• In Zone B (regulated fishing zone), fishing is permitted but controlled through regulations such as catch limits, minimum fish sizes, seasonal closures during breeding periods and restrictions on gear types (e.g. banning trawl nets). [1]

Difference 2:

• In Zone A, boat access and anchoring may be restricted or prohibited to prevent physical damage to the coral reef from anchors dragging across the seabed. Only research vessels with special permits may enter. [1]
• In Zone B, boats are permitted but may be restricted to certain types or sizes, and may be required to use designated mooring buoys rather than dropping anchors to minimise seabed damage. [1]

(d) Short-term and long-term effects on fishing communities: [6]

Short-term effects:

• Fishing communities lose access to some of their traditional fishing grounds within the MPA, particularly the no-take zone. This directly reduces the area available for catching fish, potentially lowering income. [1]
• Fishers may need to travel further from the port to reach areas outside the MPA boundaries, increasing fuel costs, time at sea and the risks of fishing in unfamiliar or more exposed waters. [1]
• Some fishers may need to retrain or find alternative employment (tourism, aquaculture, boat maintenance) during the transition period, which can cause economic hardship and social disruption. [1]

Long-term effects:

• Fish populations within the protected area are expected to recover and increase in both numbers and size over time. As populations grow, adult fish and larvae move beyond the MPA boundaries into the surrounding fishing grounds, a phenomenon known as the spillover effect. This can lead to larger and more sustainable catches in adjacent waters. [1]
• Healthier fish stocks mean larger individual fish are caught, which command higher market prices. Overall fishing income may exceed pre-MPA levels as the ecosystem recovers. [1]
• The MPA could attract ecotourism (snorkelling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours), creating alternative income streams for the community. The coral reef and abundant marine life within the no-take zone would be the main attraction. [1]