Journal article
Larger and more abundant legal-sized targeted fish inside ‘no take’ areas of a subtropical marine park over a 12-year period
Marine and freshwater research, Vol.77(15), pp.1-15
07/10/2026
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Abstract
Context. Multiple-use marine parks vary spatially in how they are managed, which may influence ecological response over time. Aims. We surveyed four key targeted species (snapper, Chrysophrys auratus; pearl perch, Glaucosoma scapulare; venus tuskfish, Choerodon venustus; grey morwong, Nemadactylus douglasi) during winter of 6 years between 2010 and 2023 to examine management influence on abundance and length. Methods. Using stereo-baited remote underwater video (BRUVs), we compared relative abundance, occurrence at legal and sublegal sizes, and length in three types of management areas within and adjacent a subtropical marine park (‘no take’; ‘partially protected’; and ‘outside’) overtime by using generalised linear mixed models. ‘Partially protected’ and ‘outside’ are fished areas, managed under spatial or fishery management rules (i.e.
legal-size limits). Key results. Snapper, pearl perch, and venus tuskfish were consistently more abundant and larger in ‘no take’ areas than in fished areas, especially legal-sized or larger individuals (>30 cm). Grey morwong showed a weak response in its abundance among management areas but was larger within the marine park. The abundance of targeted fish also fluctuated among years, indicating complex ecological dynamics. Conclusions. Overall, ‘no take’ effects were strong and consistent across the study period. Implications. The study has demonstrated the value of longterm monitoring to inform fishing activities and management strategies.
Details
- Title
- Larger and more abundant legal-sized targeted fish inside ‘no take’ areas of a subtropical marine park over a 12-year period
- Creators
- Hamish A. Malcolm - PIRDMatthew J Rees - PIRDArthur L Schultz - PIRDDavid Harasti - PIRDKate Seinor - Southern Cross UniversitySarah Chyriwsky - Southern Cross UniversityNathan A. Knott - PIRD
- Publication Details
- Marine and freshwater research, Vol.77(15), pp.1-15
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing; CLAYTON SOUTH
- Grant note
- This study was internally funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
- Identifiers
- 991013407294402368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre; Future Students and Outreach
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article