EXPERIENCES IN THE USE OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS WITH FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES - A REVIEW OF CASE STUDIES

摘要

Global fish stocks are in decline and associated habitats are being damaged at an alarming rate, both within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of states and increasingly also in areas beyond national jurisdiction. To date, conventional fisheries management approaches have typically focused on managing single species rather than maintaining the health of marine ecosystems - the basis for current and future production. However, current management theory and practice clearly point towards implementation of "an ecosystem approach to fisheries that strives to balance diverse societal objectives by taking into account the knowledge and uncertainties about biotic, abiotic and human components of ecosystems and their interactions..."(Garcia and Cochrane 2005). The concept of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management has gained ground in a number of international fora and its elements are now engrained in several international agreements and guidelines (e.g. the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries). Similarly, several global commitments have been made to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) and representative networks. In recent years, MPAs are increasingly being considered as an important tool for achieving an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. MPAs are a flexible tool encompassing a range of management options, from smaller, strictly protected no-take reserves to larger, zoned multiple use areas where different activities are carefully managed. Their objectives and characteristics may vary but should, importantly, be clearly defined. MPAs may be viewed as a complement to other fisheries management tools and integrated with sustainable management practices over the wider marine environment. They must be carefully planned and designed in order to achieve realistically defined goals. Worldwide experience with MPAs provides a number of useful lessons and case studies. The seven case studies described in this paper illustrate different success features with which MPAs can support fisheries management objectives, and they point out challenges and limitations of this potential according to the respective setting. Some key 'ingredients' are extracted from their lessons learnt. They broadly refer to MPA designation and stakeholder processes, to the legal and institutional frameworks, and to management aspects for sustaining MPA benefits.