Hilborn lab finds counterevidence to study claiming MPAs have “spillover” effect

A new analysis from the University of Washington’s Sustainable Fisheries Lab challenges a study claiming that the largest marine protected area (MPA) in the U.S., caused a “spillover effect” in yellowfin tuna. The review aligns with the view that marine protected areas may not effectively increase large-scale populations outside their boundaries. Instead, they often result in the displacement of fishing pressure, leading to intensified fishing activities outside the protected areas.