Threats to marine biodiversity in European protected areas
Résumé
Marine protected areas (MPAs) represent the main tool towards halting the loss of marine biodiversity. However, there is increasing evidence on their limited capacity to eliminate or even reduce some threats even within their boundaries. Here, we analyzed a European wide database comprising threats recorded in 2230 MPAs. Focusing explicitly on threats related to marine species and habitats, we found that fishing and outdoor activities were the most widespread within MPA boundaries, although some spatial heterogeneity in the threats distribution was evidenced. Our results clearly demonstrate the need to reconsider current management plans, and measures within and beyond MPAs, while any such planning should avoid a centralized decision processes, and thus properly account for the heterogeneity that is inherent in conservation networks.
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