Are MPAs effective in removing fishing pressure from benthic species and habitats

Abstract MPAs are expected to improve the conservation status of rare and important habitats and species. However, the reduction in anthropogenic pressure due to such management measures is rarely estimated. Although MPA networks may cover a large proportion of the seabed, designated areas that prohibit damaging fishing activity are often much smaller. This case study compares fishing pressure inside and outside areas covered by Scottish MPAs and MPA management measures, further relating its distribution to bottom ruggedness, which influences benthic communities and their exposure to mobile bottom fishing. While 7% of the study region was found to be within MPA boundaries, only 2.5% of the region was subject to management measures that restrict mobile bottom fishing. Taking historical levels of fishing as a benchmark, management measures have been applied to