Reserve Effect Monitoring
Natural Heritage
A well-managed Marine Protected Area (MPA) provides marine species with favorable conditions for their development. Fish are generally more abundant and diverse there, and can reach larger sizes. This is what is known as the reserve effect.
Since 2016, AMPN has been regularly monitoring fish populations within Monaco’s MPAs, as well as at comparison sites where fishing is permitted. This work makes it possible to compare the different areas and concretely assess the effects of protection.
This monitoring is carried out twice a year, with the participation of scientific divers from Thalassa Marine Research & Environmental Awareness. The second survey campaign of 2026 has just been completed!
Now comes the compilation and analysis of the data. We look forward to seeing the results and finding out whether they confirm the trend observed over the years: the presence of a strong reserve effect within Monaco’s MPAs.
This program is supported by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.
Photo Credit : AMPN