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Marine conservation science and governance in North–West Europe: Conservation planning and international law and policy

Metcalfe, Kristian, Roberts, Thomas, Smith, Robert J., Harrop, Stuart R. (2013) Marine conservation science and governance in North–West Europe: Conservation planning and international law and policy. Marine Policy, 39 . pp. 289-295. ISSN 0308-597X. (doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2012.12.002) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33116)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2012.12.002

Abstract

Member States of the European Union are increasingly designating marine protected areas (MPAs) to meet globally agreed marine protection targets and regional commitments. A number of studies have examined the impact of the associated European policy on the representation of species and habitats but there is no comprehensive review of their combined impact on marine conservation in Europe. Here a systematic conservation planning framework is used to conduct such a review and compare the existing legislation to three elements of best practice, which are designed to identify MPA networks that achieve conservation goals whilst increasing the likelihood of implementation. In particular, this review investigates the extent to which legislation: (i) translates broad policy goals into explicit targets; (ii) incorporates socio-economic data into the planning process; and (iii) requires a social assessment. Whilst this legislation has widespread political support and has underpinned the rapid expansion of MPA networks, this review shows it largely fails to incorporate these key components from systematic conservation planning. Therefore, if European approaches to marine conservation are to fulfil their goal of halting marine biodiversity loss, it is essential they link existing policy frameworks with transparent strategies that account for local conditions and support implementation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.12.002
Uncontrolled keywords: CBD; Birds Directive; Habitats Directive; Natura 2000; OSPAR; Marine protected areas; Systematic conservation planning
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: Bob Smith
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2013 16:08 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33116 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Roberts, Thomas.

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Smith, Robert J..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1599-9171
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Harrop, Stuart R..

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