Partially protected areas as a management tool on inshore reefs

Partially Protected Areas (PPAs) are a widely-used management tool, yet comparatively little is known about their effectiveness compared to more commonly studied No-Take Marine Reserves (NTMRs). Here, we examine the efficacy of two kinds PPAs (with and without spearfishing) within Great Barrier Reef Park (GBRMP) that subject range fishing limitations, assess utility as marine park zoning fisheries tool. Fish abundance, size, habitat composition were inside NTMRs on inshore reefs central GBR. abundances lower relative adjacent for primary targets, with no detectable effects secondary targets non-targets, or species richness. assemblages differed amongst zones, but these variations minor regional in composition. supported 46%–69% abundance total NTMRs, evident increase zones where spearfishing was prohibited. There reductions size key target species: coral trout (Plectropomus spp.) stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) PPAs, only had significant NTMRS. Habitat biophysical characteristics (especially topographic complexity) strong drivers fish influence zone greater non-targets. This study provides novel data highlights spatial tool contributing conservation goals.