A new study funded by the European Commission and published on Monday 5 November shows that marine protected areas (MPAs) can generate tangible economic benefits.
MPAs are areas marked out at sea which meet long term nature protection objectives. At present, MPAs cover 10% of EU waters.
According to the findings of the study, such areas can generate a profusion of new jobs and new business opportunities.
Fisheries and tourism enjoy many advantages due to these protected areas. According to the study, the beneficiaries in the fisheries sector are mainly small non-industrial fleets using static fishing gear in coastal areas.
The study underlines the business opportunities available to sectors such as aquaculture, blue biotechnology and even passenger shipping. Then there are jobs generated by the MPAs themselves, for their daily management, for scientific monitoring and for consulting with engineering companies.
The new study, entitled “Economic Benefits of Marine Protected Areas and Spatial Protection Measures”, provides valuable lessons and ideas for anyone involved in MPAs (https://ly/2P9AyKN ). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)