Effective implementation

Marine protected areas, once allocated, need to be effectively implemented!

In Europe, many marine protected areas exist on paper only. A recent study has shown that in 59% of EU marine protected areas commercial trawling is taking place. Marine protected areas need to have clear conservation objectives, as well as well designed, well resourced and above all, implemented management plans. To make plans reality, cooperation between all actors is essential: from political authorities, to fishers, scientists and civil society. Only areas that fulfil these criteria, should count towards protection targets.