Progress in Marine Conservation in Europe
NATURA 2000 Sites in German Offshore Waters
Henning von Nordheim, Dieter Boedeker & Jochen C. Krause (Eds.) 2006
Springer, Heidelberg 263pp
This volume offers an insight into the identification and selection procedure for marine protected areas in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ). EU Member States are obliged to establish a coherent network of protected areas, consisting of sites identified under the EC Habitats and Birds Directives. The goal of this Natura 2000 network is the conservation of biodiversity on land and in the sea. To fill important gaps in knowledge regarding the presence, abundance, and distribution of certain species and habitats in the German North and Baltic Seas, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) initiated a detailed research programme, involving researchers from many highly regarded German marine research institutes. This book contains the main results of the various projects under this research programme, which formed the basis for the identification and selection of Natura 2000 sites. Information is given on two Natura 2000 habitat types (sandbanks and reefs), and benthic species, fish, birds and marine mammals, as well as on legal aspects and implementation procedures. Finally, the book presents the current status of Natura 2000 in the German EEZ. The target audience includes not only scientists, but also policymakers, environmental organisations and other stakeholders. The book includes many illustrations.
Contents
- Part I: MPAs in the German EEZ: Conventions and legal aspects
- Part II: Site selection procedure
- Part III: Identification and assessments of habitats
- Part IV: Public awareness and consultation