Abstract
Summary Objective: On 11th July 2008, 10% of Lyme Bay was declared a Marine Protected area and permanently closed off to scallop dredging and bottom trawling. This project aims to monitor the effects of the MPA, specifically to quantify the recovery of benthic communities using a number of focal/indicator species; to quantify and assess any potential affects to the scallop population; & to assess any socio-economic consequences of the closure and associated activity restrictions. Key Customer Purpose: The project will be used to assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas in achieving conservation objectives; the socio-economic implications of MPAs; and provide further detail on where fisheries management and conservation objectives could be integrated.
United Kingdom