Over the course of the coming year, we will develop a practical framework, including design tools, for implementing effective Fish Refuges, sometimes referred to as no take zones. Although we will use the Quintana Roo area as a case study to design the associated materials, we will focus on developing a universal tool that will be a template for establishing FRs throughout Mexico’s diverse coastal regions. These tool will bridge the multiple objectives across all stakeholders to maximize the success of FRs using trade-off analysis.

              During fall 2017 and winter 2018, our team will focus on determining economic costs and benefits of having and implementing FRs. The challenge with effective FRs stem from a large initial cost and lack of immediate benefits. Once we understand all associated costs with establishing a FR, we will explore alternative avenues that create more rapid economic benefits and growth for the communities (e.g., options that increase fishing efficiency or product values) that help offset the decrease in catch or fishery capital when FRs are in place. Thus, this project will meet the following objectives: