In 2010, the University of York initiated a project in collaboration with COAST to study the differences between the seabeds protected within the No Take Zone and other areas.
To do this they have used many methods; diving surveys (counting what they saw), drop down baited cameras and lobster and crab surveys with local fishermen.
They have since found that biodiversity has increased by 50%. The populations of scallops and European lobsters are 2-3 times higher within the No Take Zone. There are also more individuals that are reproductively active which can seed the surrounding grounds.
This goes to show how spatial management measures like marine protected areas are good for both fisheries and conservation.
Have a look at the papers published about the recovery of Lamlash Bay No Take Zone since 2010.
Lamlash Bay NTZ paves the way for revival of UK seabeds
Marine life has returned at dramatic levels to the waters of the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone, a new study from the University of York has shown. There are nearly four times more king scallops in the area since 2010 and larger lobsters are more abundant.
The recovery of Lamlash MPA No Take Zone and South Arran MPA: Has protection led to improved biodiversity and habitats? . Notley, W.
This study investigated how biodiversity had changed within two separate zones in an MPA around the south of the Isle of Arran, Scotland – an NTZ, which is fully protected from fishing, and the remaining area which is open to a limited amount of fishing.
The recovery of the commercially valuable scallop species under different forms of protection around the Isle of Arran . James, L.
After ten years of the NTZ being in place (2008), and three years since the MPA was designated (2016), new data were collected in 2019 to compare the differences in densities and population structure of King scallop
The influence of the Lamlash Bay no-take zone on spatial and temporal variation in the recovery of commercially exploited crustaceans. Crimmins, E.
After nearly 10 years of protection, this study assesses whether the No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay has been successful in preserving and enhancing commercially important populations of European lobster, Brown crab and Velvet swimming crab.
The influence of the Lamlash Bay no-take zone, Firth of Clyde, on spatial and temporal variation in the recovery of commercially exploited crustaceans. Carney, W.
Conclusions drawn state that the Lamlash Bay NTZ is boosting lobster biomass within its boundaries and is extremely important in echoing the invaluable contribution of NTZs in restoring and enhancing commercially exploited invertebrate communities.
Effects of ecosystem protection on scallop populations within a community‑led temperate marine reserve., Howarth L. et al.
Dive surveys between 2010 and 2013 found an increased abundance
