Reserve Effect Monitoring
Natural Heritage
Since 2016, the AMPN has conducted fish population monitoring twice a year within Monaco’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
This program aims to assess the “reserve effect,” which is reflected in an increase in fish abundance, fish size, and species diversity when protection measures are effective.
Carried out in partnership with Thalassa Marine Research & Environmental Awareness, these monitoring campaigns are based on scientific dives conducted both within the MPAs and in open-to-fishing areas, providing comparison zones for analysis.
The first survey campaign of 2026 has just been completed. Data collected since the program began demonstrate the effectiveness of the MPAs, which host two to five times more fish than non-protected areas.
Program supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Photo Credit : Stéphane Jamme - Aquanaute Expertise