This is one of the big reasons why marine protected areas (MPAs) are such an important strategy for both fisheries and conservation. When areas totally free fr

This is one of the big reasons why marine protected areas (MPAs) are such an important strategy for both fisheries and conservation. When areas totally free from fishing pressure are created, the fully mature individuals within them are much more reproductively successful. This can fairly quickly lead to spill-over into the unprotected adjacent areas, which in turn can become a more productive fishery than if the entire area was open to begin with.