Evaluation of ecological effects of recreational fishing ban in the Alentejo rocky shores

Mestrado em Gestão e Conservação de Recursos Naturais - Instituto Superior de Agronomia / Universidade de ÉvoraRecreational fishing at Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV) was limited by legal restrictions, including fishing ban in Ilha do Pessegueiro and continental adjacent area. All the area was later classified as protected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecological effects of a 2 year period (2009-2011) of marine protection, to propose monitoring methodologies and suggest management improvements for recreational and commercial fishing. Ecological effects of the stated protection were studied on intertidal organisms (limpets and sea snails) that use to be explored by recreational fishers on the rocky shores of the cited area, and on the community of macro-epibenthic organisms. The protected area was compared with non protected control areas. Variance analysis didn’t show effects of protection at both area and local levels in the abundance and size of limpets and sea snails. Variability at local scale was detected. Compared with previous data the abundance and size of limpets decreased but the abundance of large limpets maintained. Insufficient recovery time, predation by other mollusk consumers and deficient regulatory enforcement are possible causes for the obtained results. Social conflict resolution is essential. Collaborative governance is suggested as a management strategy for the marine protected area in PNSACV