Evaluation of Management Strategies in Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia

The spatial, multi-species nature of coral reef fisheries makes them notoriously difficult to manage. We have developed a simulation modeling approach to examine the effect of management options on the recreationally important tourist destination of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia where a recreational fishery targets Spangled Emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus). The approach brings a broad range of physical, biological and socio-economic information and process understanding into an integrated framework. It also provides an effective interface with management. Model results show the effects of historical fishing mortality, localized depletion of Spangled Emperor, and the potential effect of the sanctuary zones that are closed to fishing. They also show expected recreational catches and catch rates under different projected management strategies and future scenarios regarding the evolution of the fishery. Results from the model will provide a means to assess, test and ultimately improve the effectiveness of management and monitoring strategies in the region.