The authors of this paper compiled a global database of 8534 live coral surveys from 1969-2006 to compare annual changes in coral cover inside 310 MPAs to unprotected areas. The results showed that on average, coral cover within MPAs remained constant, while coral cover on unprotected reefs declined. Based on these findings, MPAs are generally effective in reducing or preventing coral loss, and the benefits of MPAs appear to increase with the number of years since MPA establishment.
Author: Selig, E.R. and J. F. Bruno
Year: 2010
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PLoS One 5(2): e9278. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0009278
