O'Leary, Bethan Christine orcid.org/0000-0001-6595-6634, Ban, Natalie, Fernandez, Miriam et al. (11 more authors) (2018) Addressing Criticisms of Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas. BioScience. ISSN 1525-3244
Abstract
Designated large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs, 100,000 or more square kilometers) constitute over two-thirds of the approximately 6.6% of the ocean and approximately 14.5% of the exclusive economic zones within marine protected areas. Although LSMPAs have received support among scientists and conservation bodies for wilderness protection, regional ecological connectivity, and improving resilience to climate change, there are also concerns. We identified 10 common criticisms of LSMPAs along three themes: (1) placement, governance, and management; (2) political expediency; and (3) social–ecological value and cost. Through critical evaluation of scientific evidence, we discuss the value, achievements, challenges, and potential of LSMPAs in these arenas. We conclude that although some criticisms are valid and need addressing, none pertain exclusively to LSMPAs, and many involve challenges ubiquitous in management. We argue that LSMPAs are an important component of a diversified management portfolio that tempers potential losses, hedges against uncertainty, and enhances the probability of achieving sustainably managed oceans.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2018. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Environment and Geography (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 13 Apr 2018 11:00 |
Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2025 17:31 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy021 |
Status: | Published online |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/biosci/biy021 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:129621 |