Ecosystem-based management
and community-based participation in governance of Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs) have been identified as key elements to improve management success,
local stakeholder support, and compliance with regulations. However, both are
often rarely achieved, resulting in poor MPA governance, support and success. A
quantitative assessment of the spatio- temporal change (1997-2012) of coral
reef fish communities within Arrecifes La Cordillera Natural Reserve in
northeastern Puerto Rico was carried out. We also identified community expectations
of and support for the designation of a network of small no-take MPAs within
the reserve’s boundaries. A holistic approach employing biophysical and
socioeconomic methods was used as part of a participatory model to identify
priorities for the designation of candidate no-take MPAs. Populations of the
most important fishery-targeted species showed a significant temporal decline,
particularly in areas subjected to intense recreational activities and
spearfishing. Most groupers (Serranidae),
snappers (Lutjanidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), and some parrotfishes
(Scaridae) were nearly absent at most sites. Most individuals belonged
to smaller size categories. Herbivores represented the majority of the total
fish biomass, suggesting strong fishing impacts on apex predators. Fish
declines also occurred after two massive coral bleaching events in 1998 and
2005 that were followed by mass coral mortalities, suggesting combined negative
impacts of fishing and climate change. A no-take MPA designation was supported
by 80% of the artisanal fishermen, 73% of the concessionaires (i.e., SCUBA diving, charter boats), and
52% of registered vessel operators. Stakeholders agreed that coral reef
conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality
which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize
climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries.
Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably
matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the
pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and
enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers
improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions,
and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of
ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to
foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based
integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change
impacts in novel future scenarios.