What does scientific research say about marine reserves?
Scientists have studied the performance of 124 marine reserves of many different sizes in a variety of habitats. A comprehensive review of marine reserves reveals that most well-regulated marine reserves result in large, rapid and long-lasting increases in population, number of species, and reproductive output of marine animals and plants. The review found that the average weight of all animals and plants studied is more than four times larger in reserves than in unprotected areas.
