The Potential of Marine Protected Areas in Marine Conservation: Is the Wadden Sea an Effectively Protected Area?

Pols, Pieter (2021) The Potential of Marine Protected Areas in Marine Conservation: Is the Wadden Sea an Effectively Protected Area? Master's Thesis / Essay, Ecology and Evolution.

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Abstract

In this thesis we investigate which factors are important for the constitution of an effect Marine Protected Area (MPA). With this knowledge we then try to answer the question if the Dutch Wadden Sea is an area with effective protection measures. The ocean provides valuable ecosystem services. MPAs are protected parts of the ocean where human activities are limited allowing ecosystems to recover in the absence of human exploitation pressures. Therefore, MPAs can play a key role in the protection of the ocean as they can integrate conservation and commercial interests. Key features of MPA management are divided in a biological and a socioeconomic component. Biologically successful MPAs are: no-take, highly enforced, old, large, and isolated. Socioeconomically successful MPAs actively engage and inform stakeholders, integrating their cultural/economic interest into their design, thereby creating a broad support base. The Dutch Wadden Sea is an ecologically invaluable ecosystem. However, just as the rest of the oceans, the system is under pressure from anthropogenic stressors. We examined the factors that were determined to be important for MPA success. The system scores well on enforcement, age, and stakeholder engagement. Size, isolation, and fishing regulations are acceptable. Stakeholder perception of the protected area must be improved as this was quite negative. We conclude that the Dutch Wadden Sea must be seen as a relatively effective protected area.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Supervisor name:	Irazabal Gonzalez, L.
Degree programme:	Ecology and Evolution
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	26 Jul 2021 15:43
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2021 15:43
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/25467

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