Planes, Serge, García Charton, José Antonio, Pérez Ruzafa, Ángel
Ecological effects of atlanto-mediterranean marine protected areas in the European Union
Ecological effects of atlanto-mediterranean marine protected areas in the European Union / Planes S., García-Charton J.A., Pérez-Ruzafa A. (Coord.). 2006. EMPAFISH Project, Booklet No. 1, 158 pp.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10045/2868
DOI: 
ISSN: 
Abstract: 
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critically important to the conservation of
marine biodiversity and ecological processes and to achieving a sound basis
for sustainable use and development of marine environments and resources.
This is clearly reflected in the statement from World Summit on Sustainable
Development (Johannesburg): "MPAs are the key to achieving at least 10% of
each of the world's ecological regions effectively conserved - the target
established at the 6th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity".
At the same time, it is widely considered that MPAs can make a significant
contribution to regional economic development and to improving the wellbeing
of local communities. Fisheries are one of the main threats to marine
biodiversity and ecological processes and MPAs are therefore important for
conserving ecosystem services provided by the sea and sustaining tourism
that depends on these. By restricting damaging activities, MPAs offer
protection for marine natural resources and provide them with critical habitats
they need at key times, e.g. for breeding or feeding. MPAs benefit species and
habitats of regional interest and may also help to avoid or at least limit the
deleterious effects of non-sustainable uses and activities, including pollution
and other sources of degradation, in favour of the local economy.
Keywords:Marine protected areas, Ecological effects, Ecological features, Ecological processes, Marine connectivity, Ecosystem management
EMPAFISH Project
info:eu-repo/semantics/book