 "In February 2001 at the meeting of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) leading marine scientists
released new evidence that marine reserves produce enormous
benefits within their boundaries and beyond. A scientific consensus
statement signed by 150 leading marine scientists called for
the immediate establishment of networks of marine reserves to
replenish depleted seas and declared that there is now compelling
scientific evidence that marine reserves conserve both biodiversity
and fisheries. "All around the world there are different experiences,"
said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, "but the basic message is the same:
marine reserves work, and they work fast. It is no longer a
question of whether to set aside fully protected areas in the
ocean, but where to establish them. We urge the immediate application
of fully protected marine reserves as a central oceans management
tool." (Maine Sierra Club, 2002)
In addition, "The National Research Council of the National
Academy of Sciences has released a report, "Marine Protected
Areas: Tools for Sustaining Ocean Ecosystems" containing a whole
section on cost/benefit analysis and societal values of MPAs,
as well as empirical modeling studies, management, design and
monitoring. The volume compares conventional management of marine
resources with proposals to augment these strategies with a
system of protected areas. It argues that implementation should
be incremental and adaptive, through the design of areas not
only to conserve resources, but also to help us learn how to
manage marine species more effectively. The report can be accessed
on the NAS web site at http://www.nas.edu " (Maine Sierra Club,
2002).
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