Date: January 16, 2018
Source: University of Exeter
Summary:
Small no-fishing zones around
colonies of African penguins can help this struggling species, new research
shows.
Working with the South African
government, researchers from the universities of Exeter and Cape Town tested
bans on catching "forage fish" such as sardines and anchovies -- key
prey for the endangered penguins -- from 20km around their breeding islands.
The body condition and survival
of chicks improved when the no-fishing zones were in place.
More research is needed, but the
scientists say the fishing closures should continue in South Africa and should
be considered elsewhere.
"The amount of forage fish
caught worldwide is increasing and -- although the effects are disputed -- the
impact on marine ecosystems could be severe," said Dr Richard Sherley, of
the Environment and Sustainability Institute on the University of Exeter's
Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
"Forage fish are a key link
in the food chain as they eat plankton and are preyed on by numerous species
including tuna, dolphins, whales and penguins.
"We need to do more to
understand the circumstances in which small no-fishing zones will improve the
food available to predators, but our research shows this is a promising way to
help African penguins."
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