Table 3 Summary of the weighted simple random-effects regression models for each of the four moderator variables on fish assemblage biomass effect size

MPA age (year)

0.004 [−0.007 → 0.02]

Q_M = 0.49, p = 0.49

Log₁₀ (size) (km²)

−0.17 [−0.27 → 0.06]

Q_M = 9.28, p = 0.002

Log₁₀(census area) (m²)

−0.26 [−0.52 → 0.004]

Q_M = 3.73, p = 0.05

Min. Distance (km)

0.05 [0.02 → 0.09]

Q_M = 11.59, p = 0.0007

Sensitivity analysis; habitat confounded studies excluded

Log₁₀ (size) (km²)

−0.17 [−0.29 → −0.04]

Q_M = 6.78, p = 0.01

Log₁₀(census area) (m²)

−0.24 [−0.51 → 0.03]

Q_M = 3.13, p = 0.08

Min. Distance (km)

−0.13 [−0.31 → 0.06]

Q_M = 1.82, p = 0.18