Since 2007, specific fisheries regulations have been in place within the Réunion National Marine Nature Reserve (RNMR), setting out the rules governing both commercial and non-commercial fishing activities (including traditional recreational shore fishing). Fishing rules of varying degrees of restrictiveness are defined according to the level of protection (strict protection zones, high protection zones, general perimeter).
In order to assess whether the RNMR is achieving its objectives for the protection and restoration of reef ecosystems, specific long-term monitoring of fish and benthic communities was carried out on three occasions (P0 in 2006–2007, P1 in 2013–2015 and P2 in 2021). With regard to fish communities, an increase in biodiversity and biomass was observed in the high-protection zones between P0 and P1. Between P1 and P2, biodiversity and, in particular, biomass have declined sharply in the high-protection zones, with the exception of the northern zone of the RNMR. The particularly sharp decline in biomass observed for species of fisheries interest suggests that fishing plays a predominant role, despite increased monitoring and control of fishing activities since 2007.
Whilst the RNMR has established monitoring schemes for traditional recreational fisheries, some fishing activities remain unknown. As part of its objective of sustainable management of fishery resources, the RNMR wishes to expand its understanding of the various fishing activities in order to assess the pressures (fishing effort) and impacts (catches) these exert on exploited resources, and thereby better define its areas of focus (raising awareness amongst fishermen, regulatory developments, control and surveillance strategies, and the protection of currently unprotected areas). Whilst the RNMR has established monitoring schemes for traditional recreational fisheries, some fishing activities remain unknown. As part of its objective of sustainable management of fishery resources, the RNMR wishes to expand its knowledge of the various fishing activities in order to assess the pressures (fishing effort) and impacts (catches) these exert on exploited resources, and thereby better define its areas of focus (raising awareness amongst fishermen, regulatory developments, control and surveillance strategies, and the protection of currently unprotected areas).
Duration: 24 months
