Differences in Benthic Cover and Fish Assemblage Inside and Outside Marine Protected Areas

抄録

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are being used increasingly to manage and protect marine resources. Most studies of MPAs have only focused on either benthic cover or fish assemblage. In this study, the influence of MPA protection on both parameters in two areas at Bohol (Badiang, Anda and Baybayon, Mabini) was investigated. At each MPA, three 50-m transect lines at 10 m interval were permanently established inside and outside at 5-8 m depth. The systematic point intercept method was used in determining the benthic cover and fish visual census method for fish assemblage. In Badiang, the protected area had significantly higher live hard coral cover than the general use area. Dead coral with algae covered the general use area in both Badiang and Baybayon. Fish species richness were significantly different in Baybayon with moderate condition in protected area and poor condition in the general use area. Fish density inside the protected area and general use area were not significantly different but were in moderate condition. The high levels of hard coral cover and fish species richness in the protected areas may be a result of their protection status.