Establishment Of Marine Protected Areas Research Articles

The Effects of Territorial Usage on Polar Regıons and Polar Policies of Türkiye

Rising temperatures in the Arctic and Antarctic, driven by climate change, have opened new land and sea routes, posing significant threats to the biodiversity and fragile ecosystems in these regions. This article examines the impacts of climate change in the polar regions, emphasizing the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and addressing inter-country ownership and utilization policies. The study highlights that, beyond safeguarding economic and political rights, the demarcation of property boundaries, marine cadastre, and other utilization strategies are essential to ensuring the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. By analyzing the Turkish Cadastre System alongside those of countries near Antarctica and prominent nations recognized for their advanced cadastral systems worldwide, 13 countries were identified for detailed examination. The findings underscore the potential benefits of establishing marine protected areas and adopting ecosystem-oriented management approaches within the framework of international arrangements, such as the Arctic Council and the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS). Furthermore, the article stresses the importance of enhancing Türkiye`s scientific research and policy efforts in the polar regions, ensuring that activities are conducted in alignment with environmental responsibility. The text emphasizes the necessity for human activities in polar regions to prioritize both ecosystem sustainability and international collaboration.

A Review of Grouper Fisheries Management in the Southeastern and Caribbean U.S.: Challenges, Successes, and Future Directions

Groupers (Epinephelidae) are ecologically important mesopredators that support valuable fisheries across the globe. Many groupers display slow growth and maturity, high longevity, ontogenetic habitat shifts, spawning-related migrations and aggregations, and protogynous hermaphroditism, which make them susceptible to overexploitation. In this review, I synthesize available information related to the management of grouper fisheries across the southeastern and Caribbean U.S. I highlight current management challenges, such as managing multispecies reef fish fisheries with growing recreational fishing effort. I discuss management interventions with limited success, such as establishing marine protected areas to improve the populations of groupers that display protogynous hermaphroditism. I also highlight management successes, such as recovering historically depleted grouper stocks, and ecosystem-based considerations in grouper stock assessments. I discuss how climate change and anthropogenic effects are expected to affect groupers. Lastly, I provide examples of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and management efforts directed at grouper stocks. The purposes of this review are to demonstrate the complexities of managing grouper fisheries and provide a road map for future research and conservation efforts into these economically and ecologically relevant fishes within and beyond the region.

Analysing the Impact of Extended Continental Shelf on the Establishment of Marine Protected Areas within Areas beyond National Jurisdiction

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity within areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are identified as a crucial tool under area-based management measures within this framework. However, the establishment of MPAs in ABNJ may face challenges due to the presence of extended continental shelves (ECS). This paper explores two primary issues: the overlap of ECS claims and the interaction between the water column and the ocean floor in ECS areas. It aims to analyse how these factors might affect MPA establishment under the BBNJ treaty.

Coral reefs of Pakistan: a comprehensive review of anthropogenic threats, climate change, and conservation status

The coral reefs along Pakistan’s coastline are of ecological and economic significance. However, they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic threats and climate change. These vulnerable ecosystems are declining due to various factors such as sedimentation, climate change, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, marine pollution, and tourism development. We found that 29%, 24%, 26%, 16% and 18% of the studies exceeding, marine pollution, overfishing/destructive fishing, coastal tourism, climate change and sedimentation, respectively; thus, indicating inadequate water quality status in part of Pakistan coastal water. These influences lead to several negative impacts, such as jeopardized coral health, decline in biodiversity, and the simplification of reef structures. In response to these threats, conservation efforts are imperative. This literature review provides an in-depth analysis of anthropogenic threats, climate change and the conservation of coral reefs in Pakistan. This review provides suggestions on how the country could better conserve its coral reef ecosystem. These include (1) initiatives such as establishing marine protected areas (MPAs), (2) encouraging sustainable fishing practices and reducing pollution, (3) developing the country as an ecotourism destination and implementing climate change adaptation measures, and (4) community engagement through awareness campaigns and fostering collaboration among, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientists. These comprehensive conservation policies address human-caused and other challenges, safeguarding their ecological, economic, and cultural relevance for future generations.

Assessing the vulnerability of Elasmobranch species in the Bay of Bengal: Insights from Lakkha gill net fishery of Bangladesh

The elasmobranch population is declining in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh due to large-mesh gill net fishing, locally known as the Lakkha net, which primarily targets Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum). This study was the first attempt to identify megafaunal bycatch in Lakkha fishing and assess its vulnerability using Productivity Susceptibility Analysis. A total of 40 elasmobranch bycatch species were identified, with sharks comprising 13 species from three families, while 27 rays belonged to six families, with the majority belonging to the Myliobatiformes order (60 %). Productivity and susceptibility scores were assigned to all identified species, with values ranging from 1.27 to 2.73 and 1.50 to 2.63, respectively. The target Lakkha fish exhibited the highest susceptibility score, followed by several pelagic sharks and eagle rays. Vulnerability assessment revealed that 31.7 % (n = 13) of species were highly vulnerable, while 43.9 % (n = 18) were classified as moderate, and 24.4 % (n = 10) were considered to have low vulnerability. All the high-risk megafauna species (n = 13) are classified as threatened by the global IUCN Red List. Sensitivity analysis highlighted susceptibility as a major contributor to species’ vulnerability. Alterations in susceptibility scores led to significant changes in the vulnerability status of many species. The overall data quality assessment indicated moderate data quality across species, with variability observed between productivity (76 % of species received a poor data quality score) and susceptibility attributes. However, vulnerability of these species can be reduced through adequate gear modification, shorter net deployment periods, adoption of safe discharge techniques, identification of critical habitats, and establishment of marine protected areas within this region. This study provides valuable insights into the species composition and vulnerability of elasmobranchs in the Lakkha gill net fishery, emphasizing the need for conservation measures to mitigate bycatch impacts on threatened species.

MARINE FISHERIES AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY: AN OVERVIEW

Marine Fishery is the harvesting of fish and other seafood from the ocean for commercial, recreational, and food purposes. Marine fisheries, resources provide animal proteins to billions of people globally. Marine fishery has a vital role in human development and welfare as it provides employment, production, and trade, and has a significant share. In the national economy. There are several types of marine fisheries, which provide food security, livelihoods and economic benefits to millions of people especially the coastal communities. Sustainable fisheries of the world, facing many problems, like overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change resulted in the depletion of fish stock and threat to the marine ecosystem. To get the long- term benefits and to reduce the pressure on marine fishery, conservation efforts i.e. sustainable fishing, marine protected areas establishment and enhancing aquaculture productivity are essential. Coastal area communities around the world usually depend upon the fishing industry for their food, income, and livelihood. Marine fisheries impacted on the communities in both ways i.e. positively and negatively. Economic and ecological impacts of marine fisheries on communities are significant. To mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts of marine fisheries on the communities, the present project is undertaken to highlight those impacts by gathering the data about marine fisheries and its allied subjects from 1980 - 2024. In the end some suggestions are coated, like fisheries management practices, community-based management, and social responsibility initiatives, for better and sustainable fishery industry of the country.

Reflections on How to Reach the “30 by 30” Target: Identification of and Suggestions on Global Priority Marine Areas for Protection

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is an important method to ensure marine protection. To protect and conserve global marine biodiversity, with the adoption of the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in December 2022, the establishment of an effectively managed MPA network by 2030 and the protection of 30% of the world’s oceans will be common goals for all countries party to the CBD over the next decade. Based on the distribution of over 150 types of marine species, habitats, ecosystems, and abiotic elements, ArcGIS10.5 and Zonation are used in this study to calculate the marine protection priority levels of coastal, nearshore, open ocean, and deep ocean trench areas, and a plan to reach the “30 by 30” targets is proposed. The suggestions for scientifically identifying and managing MPAs are as follows: first, improve MPA planning and establish a well-connected MPA network in national jurisdictions, then conduct scientific marine investigations to obtain background data on MPA establishment and delimitation.

Investigating artisanal fishers’ support for MPAs: Evidence from the Tuscan Archipelago (Mediterranean Sea)

In order to meet the “30 by 30” target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, efforts for establishing new marine protected areas (MPAs) in European seas will increase in the upcoming years, thus affecting an increasing number of stakeholders. However, despite widely distributed across the globe, many MPAs fail to achieve their goals due to the little weight attributed to fishers’ perception as well as their scarce involvement in the different stages of MPA, from planning to management. Using the Tuscan Archipelago as a model system, we gathered artisanal fishers perceptions of MPAs and investigated potential drivers for MPA support. Information was also collected on the level of satisfaction on and involvement into current management of coastal environments, as well as fishers management proposals. Data was gathered from a sample of 27 artisanal fishers (representing 30 % of total fishers) through semi-structured interviews based on an opportunistic+snowball sampling strategy. Several fishers express positive perceptions towards the MPA concept, as long as fishers involvement is granted. Fishers open to the MPA concept are also available to change fishing gear and areas if an MPA includes their usual fishing grounds. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of MPAs in sustaining coastal biodiversity and associated harvestable stocks could be enhanced by the involvement of artisanal fishers in MPA establishment and management.

STUDY OF THE ADVISORY OPINION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF THE LAW OF THE SEA REQUESTED BY THE COMMISSION OF SMALL ISLAND STATES ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

On May 21, 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea issued its advisory opinion in the context of the issues submitted for opinion by the Commission of Small Island States on climate change and international law; This opinion constitutes a foundational reference for international law regarding the obligations of States in environmental matters and the fight against Climate Change in the seas and oceans. This study analyzes several elements that arise from the ruling, such as the jurisdiction of the Court; the applicability of various international law instruments beyond those on climate change; and, the establishment of marine protected areas as an ideal tool for the fight against Climate Change in accordance with international treaties on the Law of the Sea and Environmental Matters.

Sustainable management of predatory fish affected by an Allee effect through marine protected areas and taxation

Ecological balance and stable economic development are crucial for the fishery. This study proposes a predator–prey system for marine communities, where the growth of predators follows the Allee effect and takes into account the rapid fluctuations in resource prices caused by supply and demand. The system predicts the existence of catastrophic equilibrium, which may lead to the extinction of prey, consequently leading to the extinction of predators, but fishing efforts remain high. Marine protected areas are established near fishing areas to avoid such situations. Fish migrate rapidly between these two areas and are only harvested in the nonprotected areas. A three-dimensional simplified model is derived by applying variable aggregation to describe the variation of global variables on a slow time scale. To seek conditions to avoid species extinction and maintain sustainable fishing activities, the existence of positive equilibrium points and their local stability are explored based on the simplified model. Moreover, the long-term impact of establishing marine protected areas and levying taxes based on unit catch on fishery dynamics is studied, and the optimal tax policy is obtained by applying Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The theoretical analysis and numerical examples of this study demonstrate the comprehensive effectiveness of increasing the proportion of marine protected areas and controlling taxes on the sustainable development of fishery.

Establishing marine protected areas in the southern ocean, lessons for the BBNJ agreement

This paper first gives a brief overview of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)’s struggle to establish Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The paper then addresses the question: what lessons can countries learn from CCAMLR’s experience in establishing high seas MPAs under the Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement? The paper finds that the final text of the BBNJ Agreement did largely reflect CCAMLR’s experience when it comes to MPAs. This is particularly so with respect to 1) clarification of the relationship between conservation and use; 2) the interpretation and application of a science-based precautionary approach; and 3) consensus-based decision-making process. The paper concludes that the insights CCAMLR provides for navigating geopolitical tensions between major powers is an important reference for the future operation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Protection pattern and driving mechanism of typical marine ecosystems: a case study of China-ASEAN countries

The protection pattern of typical marine ecosystems is an overall summary of the regional marine ecosystem protection, indicating the protection status of typical marine ecosystems. The coastal waters of China and ASEAN countries have a highly diverse range of ecosystem types, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. The need to protect these ecosystems is urgent, but establishing marine protected areas often involves conflicts with stakeholders highly dependent on these ecosystems. By constructing an analysis model of the protection pattern and driving mechanisms of typical marine ecosystems, with a focus on the China-ASEAN region, this study aimed to analyze the characteristics of typical marine ecosystems protection patterns in China-ASEAN, evaluate the current protection status of these ecosystems, discuss the driving factors, and derive a regression function to clarify the quantitative relationship between the protection pattern and driving factors of typical marine ecosystems in the China-ASEAN region. The results indicate that there are four main driving factors influencing the protection pattern of typical marine ecosystems in China-ASEAN countries. The most significant driving factor is the Natural Geographic and Resource Factor, followed by Urbanization, Industrial Structure, and Population Size and GDP Factor. Among these, the Natural Geographic and Resource Factor and the Industrial Structure Factor have a positive impact, while the others have a negative impact. In the future, it is crucial to fully consider the diversity and distribution of marine ecosystems to promote joint efforts among China-ASEAN countries in protecting marine ecosystems through international cooperation.

Marine biodiversity conservation: The cultural aspect of marine protected areas in Ghana

Abstract Studying fishers and fishing communities' social‐cultural structures is vital in policy‐making concerning local marine ecosystem sustainability. Previous studies on marine communities seldom neglected the role of culture in marine biodiversity conservation, especially a marine protected area (MPA) establishment. This study first explores the cultural practices in coastal communities in Ghana that have the potential for the conservation of the marine ecosystem (MPA); second, it examines the willingness of coastal communities to welcome an MPA establishment. Primary data were collected using focus group discussions with 9 fishermen, key informant interviews with 20 chief fishermen, and self‐administered questionnaires to 491 fishermen across 9 semi‐urban, 2 urban, and 16 villages along the coast of Ghana. Adopting the convergent parallel mixed‐methods research design (quantitative method includes descriptive analysis using tables, charts, diagrams, and χ2 bivariate analysis; and qualitative method involves a narrative format), the study underscored that the socioeconomic characteristics of fishermen are diverse and mixed. Most of the fishermen do not know what an MPA is but are willing to accept an MPA initiative. Certain cultural practices such as the prohibition of gathering certain species, traditional close season, and fishing holidays are found to be conducive to an MPA initiative. These cultural practices should be integrated into an MPA policy. Fisheries practitioners should consider an ecosystem‐based approach (including cultural values) to fisheries management and fishermen should endeavour to learn new skills outside the industry.

Operationalizing a fisheries social-ecological system through a Bayesian belief network reveals hotspots for its adaptive capacity in the southern North sea

Fisheries social-ecological systems (SES) in the North Sea region confront multifaceted challenges stemming from environmental changes, offshore wind farm expansion, and marine protected area establishment. In this paper, we demonstrate the utility of a Bayesian Belief Network (BN) approach in comprehensively capturing and assessing the intricate spatial dynamics within the German plaice-related fisheries SES. The BN integrates ecological, economic, and socio-cultural factors to generate high-resolution maps of profitability and adaptive capacity potential (ACP) as prospective management targets. Our analysis of future scenarios, delineating changes in spatial constraints, economics, and socio-cultural aspects, identifies factors that will exert significant influence on this fisheries SES in the near future. These include the loss of fishing grounds due to the installation of offshore wind farms and marine protected areas, as well as reduced plaice landings due to climate change. The identified ACP hotspots hold the potential to guide the development of localized management strategies and sustainable planning efforts by highlighting the consequences of management decisions. Our findings emphasize the need to consider detailed spatial dynamics of fisheries SES within marine spatial planning (MSP) and illustrate how this information may assist decision-makers and practitioners in area prioritization. We, therefore, propose adopting the concept of fisheries SES within broader integrated management approaches to foster sustainable development of inherently dynamic SES in a rapidly evolving marine environment.

Optimal harvest for predator–prey fishery models with variable price and marine protected area

In this paper, we propose a predator–prey fishery model with prey harvesting, variable price and marine protected area. We assume the price changes faster than other processes such as population growth and predation, and get a slow fast Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) system. A simplified three-dimensional model is obtained by using approximate aggregation methods. The results show that there are two main scenarios, one is the depletion of fish stocks due to overfishing by fishermen, which is called a “catastrophic” equilibrium; and the other is a stable and sustainable fishery equilibrium. In order to avoid the extinction of fish, we consider establishing marine protected area (MPA) near fishing areas where fishermen only catch the prey. The results of the study provide the conditions for the establishment of MPA, allowing us to avoid the extinction of prey populations and establish sustainable fisheries. As another possibility, we consider increasing taxes to discourage overfishing by fishermen. In addition, when the tax revenue increases, the optimal harvest strategy is obtained. The optimal policy ensures the sustainable development of fisheries and maximizes the interests of fishermen.

Implementing the debt-for-nature swaps for marine protected areas: case studies from Seychelles and Belize

As a financing method providing financial support for environmental protection, debt-for-nature swaps (DFNS) have been implemented for nearly forty years. DFNS have covered marine protected areas (MPAs) in four countries since 2015. Although extensive literature discusses the various issues surrounding DFNS, only some researchers have connected the topics of DFNS and MPAs to evaluate the performance of implementing DFNS for financing MPAs. This paper contributes to filling this gap by analyzing the performance of the DFNS for financing MPAs from economic, legal, and environmental aspects by case studies from Seychelles and Belize. It aims to find an answer to the research question of whether the implementation of DFNS is a viable option for financing MPAs by exploring the current performance and discussing the future development of implementing the DFNS for MPAs. The DFNS has played a positive role in establishing MPAs in Seychelles and Belize by providing stable financial support for MPAs and improving the debt sustainability of debtor countries to some extent. However, there are various barriers from a legal perspective in reaching a swap agreement, ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement, and improving the transparency construction. With the trend of increasing scale and amount of debt relief and funding, the DFNS is expected to play an important role in promoting the establishment of MPAs, realizing the economic benefits, and having a satisfactory performance by legal measures. It concludes that with the transparency construction of information disclosure, special legislation on DFNS, an appropriate scale of debt for conversion determined by considering the debt sustainability, an adaptation to the innovation of the contractual approach of sovereign debt restructuring, and complementary assistance from different levels, the implementation of DFNS can be a viable option for financing MPAs.

Establishing a Marine Protected Area in the Waters Surrounding Dokdo: Necessity and Legality

Dokdo is an area with considerable marine biodiversity, which plays an important role in historical, geographical, and marine tourism. Recently, climate change has increased water temperatures in its surrounding waters, significantly threatening the balance of the marine ecosystem in Dokdo. This study analyzes South Korean and international laws as grounds for the necessity of establishing marine protected areas and the legal validity of such establishment to protect Dokdo’s marine ecosystem and increase the island’s social, cultural, and educational perspectives and marine tourism value within literature reviews and doctrinal study. Moreover, South Korea needs coordination and cooperation with Japan to prevent potential conflicts and implement measures for conflict management by designating Dokdo and its surrounding waters as marine protected areas.

Local Government Unit Initiative on Implementing Marine Protected Areas in Barangay Kamanga and Colon, Maasim Sarangani Province

This study assessed local government unit initiatives in implementing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Maasim, Sarangani Province. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of MPA program implementers using the Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT), collected secondary data on coral reefs and reef fish conditions, conducted a community perception survey, and assessed socioeconomic impacts. Despite the establishment of MPAs and the adoption of related policies, knowledge gaps persist regarding their actual effectiveness in achieving conservation objectives. This study evaluated the management performance of two MPAs: Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary and Colon Marine Sanctuary. Employing a descriptive design, MEAT was used to assess their effectiveness. Results indicate that both MPAs were well-established, with robust stakeholder involvement and legal enforcement. However, Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary outperformed Colon Marine Sanctuary in areas such as patrolling, infrastructure, institutional support, and impact assessment. Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary received an "excellent" rating, while Colon Marine Sanctuary was rated "very good." Both MPAs have stable funding, but Colon Marine Sanctuary requires monitoring, communication, public engagement, and financial management improvements. The study also identified challenges from natural factors and human activities, including pollution and fishing. However, there is positive community awareness about MPAs, and fishers report benefits such as increased fish stocks.

Recovery of a tropical coral reef in the aftermath of a cyclone: insights into postdisturbance dynamics and conservation strategies

Over the past decade, the Arabian Sea has witnessed an increase in tropical cyclones during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon months, resulting in heightened devastation across the vulnerable low-lying coral islands in the Lakshadweep Sea along the southwest coast of India. Our underwater survey-based study—focused on Kavaratti Atoll in the Lakshadweep group, India—provides groundbreaking evidence on the rapid recovery potential of coral reefs following severe cyclonic events, a globally relevant concern given increasing climate change impacts. The observed coral recovery rate was significantly faster than expected, showing that recovery rates can differ in coral reefs of different regions. The recovery was primarily facilitated by quick-growing coral genera such as Pocillopora and Acropora, leading to a shift in the coral assemblage. The recovery by these fast-growing corals highlights their role as early succession species, pivotal in the initial stages of reef recovery. The findings of this study underscore the crucial significance of ongoing monitoring, maintaining reef connectivity, and establishing marine protected areas for the conservation of less-studied remote reef systems.

Awareness and perceptions of coral reef ecosystem use and management in ‘pseudo community’ and government-managed marine protected areas in Kwale county, Kenya

Both local ‘pseudo community’ and government-managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are fundamental tools in the protection of coral reef ecosystems from human-driven threats globally. Inclusive decision-making between the local community and the government in co-management is vital to the success of MPAs. Consequently, understanding community awareness and perception of the coral reef ecosystem is an essential aspect for transformative change in the sustainable use of coral reef ecosystem services. This study aimed to assess and compare the community's awareness and perceptions of coral reef ecosystem benefits in the face of different management options between Diani Chale and Kisite-Mpunguti MPAs in south coast Kenya. We collected qualitative and quantitative data through 16 focus group discussions (n = 147) and household surveys (n = 412 in Diani Chale and n = 413 in Kisite-Mpunguti MPAs) on communities living in villages within 5 kilometers of the shoreline of the selected MPAs. The findings revealed that 77.6% (640/825) of the respondents were aware of coral reef ecosystems in their area. There was a higher awareness of coral reefs among respondents in government-managed Kisite-Mpunguti MPA (84.5%, 349/413) compared to pseudo-community-managed Diani Chale MPA (70.6%, 291/412). A higher proportion of respondents in Kisite-Mpunguti relied on coral reef resources for their livelihoods (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of respondents from Kisite-Mpunguti agreed or strongly agreed that local people derive economic benefits from the establishment of MPAs compared to Diani Chale (67.6% versus 52.2%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, more respondents from Kisite-Mpunguti expressed positive support for the establishment of more government-managed MPAs (55.69% versus 32%), and Locally Managed Marine Areas (53.9% versus 38.86%). Based on these findings, inclusive support by local communities towards coral reef conservation is recommended to increase their participation in positive environmental behaviors in Kenya and other countries in the Western Indian Ocean region. Additionally, improved political goodwill is required to support the creation of more and larger areas under marine protection, especially in the Diani Chale area.