Garry R. Russ

TL;DR: The science is reviewed, the most crucial gaps are identified, and ways to fill them are suggested so that a promising management tool can help meet the growing challenges faced by coastal marine fisheries.

TL;DR: A recent dramatic increase in research effort and a growing diversity of approaches to the study of larval retention within (self-recruitment) and dispersal among (connectivity) isolated coral reef populations are highlighted.

TL;DR: Populations of directly targeted species were more stable in reserves than in fished areas, suggesting increased ecologic resilience, an important benefit of marine reserves with respect to their function as a tool for conservation and restoration.

TL;DR: Using genetic parentage analyses, patterns of larval dispersal for two species of exploited coral reef fish within a network of marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef are resolved and provide compelling evidence that adequately protected reserve networks can make a significant contribution to the replenishment of populations on both reserve and fished reefs at a scale that benefits local stakeholders.

TL;DR: Comprehensive review of available evidence shows major, rapid benefits of no-take areas for targeted fish and sharks, in both reef and nonreef habitats, with potential benefits for fisheries as well as biodiversity conservation.