A Rationale for Minimum 20-30% No-Take Protection

In response to coral reef decline, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force adopted a goal of protecting a minimum of 20% by area of all representative coral reefs and associated habitats as no-take reserves by 2010. Here we provide a rationale for using 20-30% minimum no-take protection to conserve coral reef ecosystems. Support comes from reproductive theory, knowledge about the vulnerability of reef species to exploitation, analysis of fishery failures, and empirical and modeling studies of reserves. Other support comes from applying principles of precautionary management and a need for having minimally disturbed reference sites. Reserves alone will not protect all species and must be used in addition to other fishery and resource management measures to obtain high sustainable fishery production. Ultimately, human activities must be within sustainable limits of coral reef ecosystems. 1 National Marine Fisheries Service, 75 Virginia Beach Dr., Miami, FL 33149 USA Jim.Bohnsack@noaa.gov 2 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, P.O. Box 500368, Marathon, FL 33050 USA 3 NOAA and USAID, Rm. 3.08, Reagan Bldg. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20523-3800 USA 4 NOAA, USDOC, HCHB RM: 6117, 14th & Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20230-0001 USA 5 Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2914 USA 6 Nat. Marine Fishery Service, SSMC3, RM 13806, 1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 USA 7 US Dept. of Interior, 1849 C. St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240 USA 8 US Fish and Wildlife Serv., 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm 5-231, Honolulu, HI 96850 USA 9 National Park Service, 1201 Oak Ridge Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525 USA