Synergy in aquatic protection: A pragmatic approach to protection and enhancement of marine ecosystems

The protection of certain fishing grounds during spawning has traditionally played a role in fisheries management in New England and is a major part of the present-day stock rebuilding program. The closures of four large areas now closed year-round to gear capable of taking groundfish have resulted in the recovery of a number of stocks of important groundfish species in the Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine area and have been understood and accepted by many in the commercial fishing industry. Although successful, these and similar areas elsewhere do not constitute a needed ecosystem approach toward improved protection of fish and their habitat. The terrestrial example of the National Park system is suggested as the approach to be applied in the marine environment for the creation of marine reserves. Conservation organizations and regulatory agencies need to argue effectively to promote the advantages of protecting marine environments for the benefit of the fish species, their habitat, and the citizens that use those resources. The selection and establishment of protected areas must be based on clearly stated objectives and must address the needs of all users. While specific federal agencies are clearly mandated by law to take the lead in providing long-term protection for the marine environment, public involvement and opinion must be included.