These recent articles on MPA-related science and policy are all open access.
Article: “Climate change is likely to severely limit the effectiveness of deep-sea ABMTs in the North Atlantic”, Marine Policy 87, 111-122 (2017)
Finding: In light of climate change pressures that are likely to affect MPAs and other area-based management tools in deep waters of the North Atlantic, a precautionary approach to management is warranted. This could include setting aside more extensive areas and strictly limiting human uses and/or adopting high protection thresholds before any additional human use impacts are allowed.
Article: “Effects of fish movement assumptions on the design of a marine protected area to protect an overfished stock”, PLOS ONE 12 (2017)
Finding: Large MPAs can be effective in recovering overfished stocks, protecting pelagic fish, and providing significant increases in fisheries yields. The study’s models provide a means to test large MPAs as a spatial management tool, including as an effective alternative to managing highly mobile pelagic stocks through other means.
Article: “Conceptualizing Social Outcomes of Large Marine Protected Areas”, Coastal Management 416-435 (2017)
Finding: There has been an assumption that because many large marine protected areas (LMPAs) are designated in places with relatively few direct uses, they therefore have few stakeholders and negligible social outcomes. This article challenges that assumption with diverse examples of social outcomes that are distinctive in LMPAs.
Article: “Papahānaumokuākea: Integrating Culture in the Design and Management of one of the World’s Largest Marine Protected Areas”, Coastal Management, 436-451 (2017)
Finding: Current management of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (US) emphasizes the integration of science, policy, cultural knowledge, traditions, and practices to create successful management strategies appropriate for both natural and cultural resources. This biocultural approach has led to more effective management of the monument.
For a free, weekly list of the latest publications on ocean planning and management, including MPAs, subscribe to the OpenChannels Literature Update here.