Conference Year of the dolphin in Europe 2007
Keynotes and download of the presentations
Evans, Peter G.H.
Marine protected areas for cetaceans: best practice worldwide
Questions to ask before deciding to designate a Marine Protected Area:
- Will the target species actually benefit by this? Will they even notice the action?
- Are other protective measures more appropriate for limiting impacts?
- To what extent will a protected area safeguard the species through its lifetime, bearing in mind that cetaceans are very mobile? - consider networks of MPAs.
- Can one identify habitats critical for breeding and/or feeding? How stable are these over time?
- What other species make up the marine ecosystem and will be protected by such measures?
- Does one have the information necessary to produce an effective management plan, and the resources and legislative power to carry it out?
General Recommendations:
- Large protective areas are more likely to be effective than small ones but may be more difficult to manage.
- A zoning system may be appropriate to regulate particular activities.
- Give relevant authorities the powers and resources to manage effectively.
- Seek the co-operation and collaboration of all users of the area.
- Impacts can vary in importance over time and may take a while to detect.
- Develop monitoring methods that are practical within resource constraints.
- Provide regular feedback to both managers and other user groups.
Presentation:
02-Peter_G_H_Evans.pdf
Presentation:
18-Peter_G_H_Evans.pdf