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Report of FAO workshops at the Third International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC3)

Year of publication 2014

Author Fishery and Aquaculture Economics and Policy Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Marine protected areas – MPAs – were initially introduced mainly as a tool for biodiversity conservation. However, in fisheries, spatial–temporal–gear closures are historically a common management measure. Though closures are not necessarily always the preferred measure and spatial measures, when used, generally need to be combined with other management measures to achieve effectiveness and avoid negative effects, including increased fishing pressure outside the MPA and higher costs of fishing. In fact, many MPAs do note provide direct benefits to fishers, especially not when designed mainly for conservation purposes. Many small-scale fishing communities are sceptical about MPAs and do indeed suffer hardship when they are introduced in a top-down manner and with limited understanding of the fisheries and fishery-based livelihoods. The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has been engaged in work on MPAs and fisheries for some time, realizing that the effects of MPAs on fisheries an d fishing communities are not well understood nor always considered when designating protected areas. This work includes the publication of technical guidelines on MPAs and fisheries, the organization of regional workshops (covering so far Southeast Asian and Bay of Bengal countries, the Western Indian Ocean region and the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem area), the carrying out of governance reviews of the use of spatial management measures and the provision of inputs into biodiversity fo ra.

Language English

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