Brochier Timothée auteur aut IRD Brehmer Patrice auteur aut IRD Mbaye A. auteur aut IRD Diop M. auteur aut IRD Watanuki N. auteur aut IRD Terashima H. auteur aut IRD Kaplan David auteur aut IRD Auger Pierre auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf reformatted digital access Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the most popular means of supporting marine ecosystem conservation and coastal fisheries, particularly in developing countries. However, ARs generate complex socio-bio-economic interactions that require careful evaluation. This is particularly the case for ARs outside no-take zones, where fish might be subject to enhanced exploitation due to easier catchability. Here, we conducted an interdisciplinary study on how ARs impact fish and fishing yields, combining mathematical and sociological approaches. Both approaches converge to confirm that fishery yields decline when ARs are exploited as if they were open access areas. This situation typically occurs in areas with weak governance and/or high levels of illegal fishing activity, both of which are common in many developing countries. To avoid these adverse effects and their associated ecological consequences, we recommend prioritizing the onset of a long-term surveillance system against illegal fishing activities, and adapting design and location of the ARs based on both and local and academic knowledge, before the deployment of ARs. specialized JAPON SENEGAL 020 040 036 082 11 1 16698 [11 + correction 1 p.] 2021 2045-2322 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010082764 10.1038/s41598-021-95454-0 2045-2322 [F B010082764] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010082764 https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/2021-10/010082764.pdf IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2021-10-06 2025-02-24 fdi:010082764 fre