For this reason, AIG deferred formal designation of MPAs while existing scientific data was compiled and analysed and new research took place to enable informed decisions on the placement of Marine Reserves. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed in order to identify those areas that would benefit most from spatial or temporal protection measures, and to allow the success of these measures to be evaluated. Once designated, the “Ascension Island Ocean Sanctuary” is set to become the largest fully-no-take Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Atlantic Ocean. This formed the first step in the UK Government realising its manifesto commitment to designate a large-scale marine reserve covering at least 50% of Ascension Island’s 440,000 km2 Exclusive Economic Zone by 2019. In December 2015 the commercial fishery re-opened in 50% of the Exclusive Fishing Zone (EFZ), with the remaining 50% of the zone closed to commercial fishing. In 2014, AIG suspended the fishery whilst they reviewed and updated fisheries legislation and licensing criteria. A licensed, foreign-flagged, commercial longline fishery for tuna operated in the waters around Ascension Island from 1988-2004 and then again from 2010-2013, with license fees contributing a significant portion to annual Government revenue. Ascension Island Government (AIG) has spent much time considering the best way to manage its marine environment, taking into account the need to protect marine biodiversity alongside the economic driver to generate much-needed income for the Island.
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