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New research from the University of Sydney shows that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10% of fish stocks on coral reefs.

The global study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Professor Joshua Cinner from the School of Geosciences and lead analyst Dr. Iain Caldwell from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The international research team also included scientists from the US, UK, Kenya, France and Germany, among others.

Looking at fish survey data across nearly 2,600 tropical reef locations, the team developed a model that showed approximately 10% of fish biomass (the number and size of fish in an area) can be attributed to existing protections.

Professor Cinner, Director of the Thriving Oceans Research Hub, said, "Millions of people depend on reef fish for their livelihoods and nutrition. However, overfishing is severely threatening the well-being of coastal communities right across the globe. Protection can help boost fish stocks and have flow-on benefits for people.

"Our study really tested the mettle of global coral reef conservation. On one hand, we found that conservation efforts have made a contribution to the amount of fish on global coral reefs, which is promising. But on the other, this contribution appears quite modest and our study makes clear just how much room there is for improvement."

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