Mapping of MPAs and their associated fishing activities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas Final Report, (MAPAFISH–MED), Publications Office of the European Union

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established to manage and enhance marine ecosystems, fisheries, and wider human activities. They represent a core element of the European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy which aims to legally protect and effectively manage 30% of the EU marine waters by 2030. Yet despite this ambitious target there remains a lack of clarity on how well protected the EU’s waters currently are - particularly in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region and what role MPAs play for fisheries. This study provides an up-to-date overview of MPAs in the region, improving the scientific knowledge base used to characterise the existing MPAs; providing the most comprehensive insights into the fishing activities present within MPAs and their surrounding areas to date; and increasing our understanding of the response of fishing activities to MPA implementation. Findings from this study show that we are falling short of the 30x30 conservation targets and that a higher level of protection is needed to guarantee conservation success. Fishing effort inside the MPAs was found to be generally lower than outside the MPAs, but that high efforts from towed gears was observed in the MPAs under the Natura2000 sites of community importance. Vessel management system and automatic identification system data revealed that large-scale fishers show an effort concentration in areas relatively close to fully protected area boundaries suggesting a tendency to fish the line. In addition, results from participatory mapping revealed MPAs had displaced small-scale fishers. Stakeholders’ perceptions indicated that the importance of MPAs for conservation purposes was recognised, yet their ecological potential and their management were not delivering what was expected or needed to garner support. The present study provides actionable elements that can inform future actions in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region both in terms of (i) research, by highlighting the need for improved data collection and data availability on small scale fisheries operations and catches, and on MPA zoning, management and governance features, and (ii) management, by highlighting elements such as level of protection and engagement that should be strengthened, as they are key in determining successful fisheries management within and around MPAs.