This document, produced by the Pharos4MPAs project, aims to explore how Marine Protected Areas could be affected by small-scale fisheries, and to provide a set of practical recommendations to avoid or minimise its environmental impacts.
QUESTIONS THIS PRACTICE MAY HELP TO ANSWER:
- How do small-scale fisheries activities affect MPAs?
- How can the impacts of small-scale fisheries activities on MPAs be prevented/avoided/reduced?
IMPLEMENTATION CONTEXT:
The report was developed within the context of the PHAROS4MPAs project. It explores the ways Mediterranean MPAs are affected by various activities in the growing Blue Economy, and provides a set of practical recommendations for regional stakeholders on how to prevent and minimise the environmental impacts of the key economic sectors.
ASPECTS / OBJECTIVES:
By bringing together different stakeholders and exploring the major issues experienced in MPAs, the PHAROS4MPA's goal is to provide examples of best practices, and to facilitate information exchange between different MPAs affected by similar pressures. The aim of this project is to produce practical recommendations to address the potential negative interactions between small-scale fisheries and MPAs.
METHOD:
The report is developed considering the different roles, interests and attitudes of MPA managers, public authorities and small-scale fisheries.
MAIN OUTPUTS / RESULTS:
Small-scale fisheries represent around 80% of the Mediterranean fleet and are often allowed to conduct their activities within MPAs. Therefore, there is a real need for cooperation between the MPA managers, fishermen and public authorities for economic and environmental reasons. The report provides an overview of the small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean area and their interactions with the MPAs. It also provides a study on the benefits and impacts of small-scale fisheries on the Marine Protected Areas. Fishing in protected areas has a significant impact on fish stocks, including endangered, threatened and protected species. Chemical pollution (associated with the use of antifouling paints on vessels and other factors) can also cause damage to sensitive habitats. The document provides a number of recommendations on how to prevent or minimise these impacts depending on the stakeholders concerned (i.e. public authorities, MPA mangers or small-scale fishers).
TRANSFERABILITY:
While recommendations relate to the impacts of small-scale fisheries on MPA in the Mediterranean Sea, the model and method could potentially be applied in other regions.
Responsible Entity:
Pharos4MPAs project.
Funding Source:
Interreg MED Programme 2014-2020
Contact person:
Project coordinator:
Catherine Piante
WWF-France
6 Rue de Fabres 13001 Marseille
E-mail: cpiante@wwf.fr
Ph.: +33 4 96116946