Loading...
Publication
Evaluating MPA effectiveness through inside and outside uses allowed : Portugal as a case study
Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
As áreas marinhas protegidas (MPAs) são ferramentas de conservação mundial utilizadas para reduzir actividades humanas com impacto no meio marinho. No entanto, desenvolvimentos recentes colocam a sua validade em causa. A necessidade de avaliar a sua eficácia requer novas abordagens. Aqui, eu utilizo comparações dentro:fora de actividades que apresentam impacto potencial sobre a biodiversidade (pesca, aquacultura, exploração do fundo e actividades de recreio). As actividades foram recolhidas recorrendo às regulamentações em vigor em cada zona. Proponho relacionar cada redução de usos observada com o nível de proteção atribuído à MPA; e pela primeira vez, classificar o nível de proteção das zonas imediatamente fora usando um sistema de classificação baseado nos regulamentos para as MPAs. Todas as MPAs portuguesas efectivamente reduziram actividades extractivas e não-extractivas; enquanto, algumas MPAs não providenciaram proteção extra do exterior. Apenas áreas totalmente protegidas e áreas altamente protegidas reduziram/restringiram actividades extractivas. No geral, as MPAs portuguesas mostraram reduções de usos semelhantes com áreas moderamente protegidas; das quais 17 não aumentaram o nível de proteção observado. Novas medidas de gestão e conservação são urgentemente necessárias.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are world conservation tools to reduce human activities impacting the marine environment. However, recent developments place its validity in check. The need to assess their effectiveness calls for new approaches. Here, I use inside:outside comparisons of activities that have a potential impact on biodiversity (fishing, aquaculture, bottom exploitation, and recreational uses). The activities were collected using the regulations in force in each zone. I propose to relate each reduction of uses to the level of protection assigned; and, for the first time to evaluate the level of protection of outside zones, using a recent regulation-based classification system for MPAs. All Portuguese MPAs effectively reduce non-extractive and extractive activities, whereas some MPAs do not provide extra protection from outside. Only fully protected areas and highly protected areas reduce/restrict extractive uses. Overall, Portuguese MPAs show a similar reduction to moderately protected areas; of which 17 did not increase the protection level observed outside. New management and conservation measures are urgently needed.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are world conservation tools to reduce human activities impacting the marine environment. However, recent developments place its validity in check. The need to assess their effectiveness calls for new approaches. Here, I use inside:outside comparisons of activities that have a potential impact on biodiversity (fishing, aquaculture, bottom exploitation, and recreational uses). The activities were collected using the regulations in force in each zone. I propose to relate each reduction of uses to the level of protection assigned; and, for the first time to evaluate the level of protection of outside zones, using a recent regulation-based classification system for MPAs. All Portuguese MPAs effectively reduce non-extractive and extractive activities, whereas some MPAs do not provide extra protection from outside. Only fully protected areas and highly protected areas reduce/restrict extractive uses. Overall, Portuguese MPAs show a similar reduction to moderately protected areas; of which 17 did not increase the protection level observed outside. New management and conservation measures are urgently needed.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Biologia Marinha e Conservação.
Keywords
Área marinha protegida MPA Eficácia Actividades Redução Nível de proteção RBCS Marine protected area (MPA) Effectiveness Activities Reduction Level of protection