Marine protected areas for fisheries management
There is considerable interest amongst fisheries managers, the fishing industry and conservation groups in the potential application of marine protected areas (MPAs).
Whilst there is ample evidence that MPAs established for the purpose of protecting the marine environment are effective and can lead to enhanced habitat complexity and benthic diversity, there is more uncertainty regarding the adoption of MPAs for fish stock recovery purposes, particularly where the stocks are mobile.
In order to help clarify the potential role of MPAs for fishery management purposes, Defra commissioned the following three desk studies in 2005:
- Marine protected areas for management of temperate North Atlantic fisheries: Lessons learned in MPA use for sustainable fisheries exploitation and stock recovery
(1.1 MB - note large file size)
By the School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
- Investigations into closed area management of the North Sea cod (2.2 MB - note large file size)
By CEFAS, in collaboration with University of Strathclyde, the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation and the School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales
- Economic impact of area closures and effort reduction measures in the North Sea (417 KB)
By the Centre for the Economic and Management of Aquatic Resources (CEMARE), University of Portsmouth
Following the receipt of the three final reports, Defra Fisheries Directorate has prepared its own summary note of the main conclusions that it sees as emerging from the three studies:
- The potential role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for fisheries management purposes (40 KB)
Defra Fisheries Directorate’s summary of the main conclusions of the three desk studies
Defra would welcome any comments you might have on the three reports, and the Fisheries Directorate’s summary note. Please email your comments to: john.lock@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
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Page last modified:
14 December 2007
Page published: 14
December 2007