A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A False Sense of Protection: Recreational Uses and Illegal Behavior in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area and Implications for Management
ABSTRACTOver the last 35 years, at both the European and the Italian level, great efforts have been made to increase the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): they are considered an effective tool for protecting oceans and biodiversity. In recent years, MPAs have become more than simply tools to improve marine conservation. In fact, their management agencies are actively involved in the sustainable development of nearby communities through the promotion of recreational activities (boating, snorkeling, diving). Even if the recreational uses of the marine environment are generally considered benign, they can potentially be highly detrimental for species and their habitats. As a result, these activities should be controlled through the spatial zoning and the regulation of the MPAs. Thus, the achievement of the conservation goals of the MPAs depends primarily on compliance with the regulations of recreational uses inside their boundaries. The objective of this study was to estimate boating usage and the related level of compliance inside the Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine (Italy) MPA. The spatial and temporal trend of boating and the behaviors of boaters were measured through direct observation over a period of 2 summer months. The study highlighted a weakness in the effectiveness of this MPA, linked to a social component and compliance with the regulation. Solutions for effective management plans are outlined thanks to an understanding of the limitations and potential of existing MPA policies.Integr Environ Assess Manag2019;00:1–13. © 2019 SETAC
Key PointsThe recreational uses of the marine environment are generally considered benign: We show that it is not always true due to anomalies in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) usage and management.Human usage, temporal and spatial trends of boating, and the behavior of boaters are essential data for the MPA management, but this type of data is often neglected by managers.Indicators such as 1) marker buoys, management plans, signs; 2) monitoring and training plans to measure the community behaviors; and 3) formal consultation with the community directly related to compliance should be adopted in management strategies.
A False Sense of Protection: Recreational Uses and Illegal Behavior in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area and Implications for Management
ABSTRACTOver the last 35 years, at both the European and the Italian level, great efforts have been made to increase the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): they are considered an effective tool for protecting oceans and biodiversity. In recent years, MPAs have become more than simply tools to improve marine conservation. In fact, their management agencies are actively involved in the sustainable development of nearby communities through the promotion of recreational activities (boating, snorkeling, diving). Even if the recreational uses of the marine environment are generally considered benign, they can potentially be highly detrimental for species and their habitats. As a result, these activities should be controlled through the spatial zoning and the regulation of the MPAs. Thus, the achievement of the conservation goals of the MPAs depends primarily on compliance with the regulations of recreational uses inside their boundaries. The objective of this study was to estimate boating usage and the related level of compliance inside the Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine (Italy) MPA. The spatial and temporal trend of boating and the behaviors of boaters were measured through direct observation over a period of 2 summer months. The study highlighted a weakness in the effectiveness of this MPA, linked to a social component and compliance with the regulation. Solutions for effective management plans are outlined thanks to an understanding of the limitations and potential of existing MPA policies.Integr Environ Assess Manag2019;00:1–13. © 2019 SETAC
Key PointsThe recreational uses of the marine environment are generally considered benign: We show that it is not always true due to anomalies in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) usage and management.Human usage, temporal and spatial trends of boating, and the behavior of boaters are essential data for the MPA management, but this type of data is often neglected by managers.Indicators such as 1) marker buoys, management plans, signs; 2) monitoring and training plans to measure the community behaviors; and 3) formal consultation with the community directly related to compliance should be adopted in management strategies.
A False Sense of Protection: Recreational Uses and Illegal Behavior in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area and Implications for Management
Integr Envir Assess & Manag
Manna, Gabriella La (author) / Sarà, Gianluca (author)
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management ; 15 ; 961-973
2019-11-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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