Leading Marine Science Association calls for minimum 10% no-take zones

The Australian Marine Sciences Association, the peak body representing marine scientists in Australia has called for a minimum target of 10% full no-take protection by 2012.

In their 2008 position statement on Marine Protected areas AMSA makes a number of key recommendations including that:

1. Where detailed planning has not been undertaken, a goal should aim to protect all major marine ecosystems, with a minimum target of 10% of all habitat types under full no-take protection 2012.
2. Rare and vulnerable ecosystems or communities should be provided with greater protection – up to 100% where an isolated ecosystem or habitat type is endangered. 
3. No-take reserves should lie within larger multi-use protected areas, designed to provide limited harvesting opportunities which will not prejudice biodiversity assets. 
4. AMSA supports improved fisheries management in conjunction with the development of MPA networks.

Click here to read the full statement.