The benefits of a marine fishery reserve for Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus in the central Bahamas

Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) are an important coral reef fish, both economically and ecologically. Intense fishing pressure has been shown to decrease the abundance and average size of this species. Marine reserves have been suggested as areas which can ameliorate the effects of intense fishing pressure and protect the size, abundance, and reproductive output of targeted species; as well as provide benefits to fisheries outside of the reserve. This benefit will be through export of biomass by larval transport and/or adult emigration. The benefits of a marine fishery reserve in the central Bahamas, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP), were evaluated with regard to these factors. Seventy-four sites among four coral reef an