Zane 7 Flashcards
What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA)?
An MPA is any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical, and cultural features, which has been reserved by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment.
Why are MPAs important for marine conservation?
MPAs protect biodiversity at various levels by conserving habitats, ecosystems, and the species they support. They contribute to long-term ecological sustainability and can improve the resilience of marine environments against human impacts and climate change.
What is the historical significance of MPAs?
The first MPA was Fort Jefferson National Monument in Florida, created in 1935. The concept of MPAs evolved significantly in the 1950s and onwards, with growing recognition of the need for marine conservation.
How do MPAs vary in size and scope?
MPAs range from small marine parks like Miramare, Italy, covering 0.3 km², to vast reserves like Marae Moana, Cook Islands, covering 1,976,000 km². The scale of an MPA impacts its ecological function and management requirements.
What are the different types of MPAs according to IUCN categories?
MPAs are classified into categories based on management objectives, including:
Ia: Strict Nature Reserve
Ib: Wilderness Area
II: National Park
III: Natural Monument or Feature
IV: Habitat/Species Management Area
V: Protected Landscape/Seascape
VI: Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources
What are the main factors contributing to the success of MPAs?
Key factors include
- community engagement
- socio-economic characteristics
- ecological knowledge
- MPA design
- governance
- effective enforcement.
What is the significance of “connectivity” in MPA networks?
Connectivity refers to the exchange of individuals (e.g., larvae, fish) between MPAs, which enhances genetic diversity, population stability, and resilience. Well-connected MPA networks provide greater protection than isolated MPAs.
What challenges do MPAs face in terms of enforcement?
MPAs often suffer from inadequate enforcement, leading to illegal activities like fishing within protected areas, which undermines their effectiveness. This is particularly problematic in “paper reserves” where protections exist on paper but are not enforced.
How do MPAs benefit fisheries?
MPAs can enhance local fisheries through spillover effects, where increased biomass within the MPA leads to greater fish abundance in adjacent areas. This can sustain or increase catches in nearby fishing zones.
What is the SLOSS debate in the context of MPAs?
The SLOSS (Single Large or Several Small) debate discusses whether a single large reserve or several small reserves are more effective for biodiversity conservation. The answer depends on species, habitat types, and conservation goals.
What is the Natura 2000 network?
- Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas across Europe
- aimed at conserving natural habitats and species of Community interest.
- It includes Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
What are Special Protection Areas (SPAs)?
SPAs are designated under the EU Birds Directive to protect bird species and their habitats. Member States select these areas, and they are assessed for adequacy based on criteria like the presence of Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
What are Sites of Community Importance (SCIs)?
- SCIs are areas identified under the EU Habitats Directive that contribute to the maintenance or restoration of natural habitats and species at a favorable conservation status. These sites eventually become SACs.
- SCIs are decided by Member States and the European Commission, based on scientific criteria and the conservation needs of specific habitats and species.
What is the legal basis for the Natura 2000 network?
The legal framework for Natura 2000 is provided by the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE). These directives mandate the establishment of SPAs and SACs to form a coherent ecological network.
How does Natura 2000 address the integration of human activities?
Natura 2000 sites are not strictly protected areas; they allow for sustainable use of resources, balancing conservation with socio-economic activities. This includes traditional land uses like grazing that maintain habitat conditions.
(Natura 2000 sites generally aim to integrate conservation with sustainable human use, which may result in less strict regulations compared to some MPAs.)
How is the approach to establishing MPAs changing now
The approach is shifting to become more scientifically driven, aiming to increase the efficacy and efficiency of MPAs by better understanding and integrating ecological and biological considerations.
