Protected marine areas are one of the essential tools for the conservation of natural resources affected by human impact — mainly fishing –, but, are they enough to recover the functioning of these systems? A study now highlights the limitations of marine reserves in restoring food webs to their pristine state prior to the impact of intensive fishing.Protected marine areas are one of the essential tools for the conservation of natural resources affected by human impact — mainly fishing –, but, are they enough to recover the functioning of these systems? A study now highlights the limitations of marine reserves in restoring food webs to their pristine state prior to the impact of intensive fishing.