Cruzan fishers’ perspectives on the performance of the Buck Island Reef National Monument and the red hind seasonal closure

Despite the growing use of marine protected areas and seasonal closures to promote the sustainable use of marine ecosystems, few studies have examined the socio-economic performance of these management strategies. This study details the viewpoints of small-scale fishermen regarding the biological and socio-economic performance of the expansion of the Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM) and the red hind seasonal closure off St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The analysis, which drew on 95 in-person closed-ended surveys and 14 semi-structured interviews, showed that fishermen believed that the expansion enhanced fish production within the BIRNM, but they were irresolute about its ability to protect spawning aggregations, replenish fish abundance outside its boundaries and protect fish sensitive sites. Fishermen also reported that the expansion curtailed access to productive lobster and conch grounds and a popular fish-aggregating device which marginalized their livelihoods. The reported conservation benefits of the red hind seasonal closure were more tenuous but broadly mirrored those voiced for the BIRNM. In addition, fishermen stated that the mounting number of closures and gear restrictions has brought about severe economic hardships and has made them more reliant on the southern grounds, which are exposed to industrial and waste treatment effluent.