‘Breakthrough’ research suggests protecting a third of a fishery with ‘no-take’ rule leads to huge boost in surrounding fish populations

Long-term study provides data to support calls for 30 per cent of world’s oceans to be protected by 2030, writes Harry Cockburn

No-take marine protected areas increased the growth of fish populations by 42 per cent when fishing was unsustainable in surrounding areas (Erika Piñeros/WCS)

A long-term study hailed as a “breakthrough” by scientists suggests tightening fishing restrictions in one area can rapidly boost fish populations in surrounding areas and simultaneously protect threatened ecosystems.

The “powerful” findings provide clear scientific backing for global calls to conserve 30 per cent of the world’s oceans, the research team said.

The study, carried out in Kenya, recorded fish catches over 24 years across 12 fish landing sites in two different counties.