The whole-site management of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) can increase the total abundance of reef species within its borders by up to 95%, according to new research.

This is in contrast to regions where only known features are conserved, with species abundance increasing by just 15% in those areas compared to others where human activity is allowed to continue unchecked.

The findings are highlighted in a study by the University of Plymouth, and are the latest to emerge from its long-running monitoring of marine conservation measures in Lyme Bay, off the south coast of England.

The area is home to two co-located MPAs that have adopted different management styles in their exclusion of bottom-towed fishing.

There is a 270km² Special Area of Conservation (SAC), where measures are in place to protect the known extent of sensitive reef habitats. Within that is a 206km² area – including a mosaic of reef and sedimentary habitats – where the whole site is protected under a Statutory Instrument.

The new study, published in Fisheries Management and Ecology, showed that in addition to an increase in overall reef abundance, the whole-site approach can have significant other benefits.

The mobile species in the whole-site MPA showed levels of functional redundancy – where any species loss is compensated by other species – 7% higher than in neighbouring areas. The whole-site approach also resulted in higher levels of species diversity.

Researchers say this is indicative of a healthier seabed, which is generally more resilient to incidents such as storms or biological invasions.

The full news stories from Plymouth University and the BBC can be read here and here. The journal paper can be found here.