No-take zone in check: An ecological assessment of the management role in reef fish conservation in a Brazilian Hope Spot region

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been considered one of the most effective conservation management strategies worldwide. Despite its relevance, anthropogenic disturbances continue to cast doubt on its importance. Here we explored the effects of the protection of no-take zones on the fish community in a recent Brazilian Hope Spot. Threatened and fishery-target species distributions and ecological descriptors were assessed by underwater visual censuses and submersible rotating videos from 2020 to 2022. There were significant differences between areas (Protected, Rasa is., and Far) where fish median richness was higher in both sampling techniques and higher median densities through submersible rotating videos within MPA limits compared to non-protected areas. Besides that, Cagarras Islands Natural Monument sheltered about 84.7% (n = 17) of the total threatened species recorded in the study area, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature classification. Our results integrated with stakeholders' knowledge may provide a powerful message to decision-makers about the importance of protected areas for marine conservation. In this context, it is fundamental to consider Hope Spots as an opportunity to change unsustainable human practices and enhance the conservation of the marine life worldwide.