Summary of spatial sampling effort applied in each studied MPAs, depending on MPA management plan and natural habitat distribution, showing the number of sectors sampled in each existing level of protection.

In each sector, 3 random zones and 6 replicas were always defined in each MPA. NTZ: No-take zone; BZ: Buffer zone; UP: unprotected area; Zones: total number of zones randomly located; Transects: total number of replicates.
*Three sectors were located to the South and other 3 to the North.
†All sectors located to the North direction.