Data shows that marine protected areas are economically beneficial for Europe’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, according to a study presented to members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries on Thursday 27 October.
Experts and MEPs discussed a study on the ‘costs and benefits of spatial protection measures’ for fisheries management. The EU Biodiversity Strategy sets a target of protecting 30% (by area) of its marine areas, of which one third should be strictly protected.
Isabel Carvalhais (S&D, Portuguese) said that 112,700 km² of marine areas are protected in Portugal. “These are valuable resources, but you have to involve the fishermen, because they help collect the data”, she commented.
Caroline Roose (Greens/EFA, French) spoke about the benefits of these marine protected areas (MPA) and warned against fake MPAs.
Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR, Dutch) stressed the need not to give fishermen the impression that measures are imposed by politicians.
The European Commission said its latest report showed that 14 EU countries have submitted maritime spatial plans. Under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), there is “considerable scope” for funding maritime spatial planning projects.
Local fishermen’s action groups can work on coastal development in their region with projects linked to MPAs. “It is up to the Member States to provide funding under EMFAF”, the Commission concluded.
The author of the study explained that when areas are closed, fishermen’s incomes fall. However, after 10 years, the sector benefits from the establishment of these zones. Finally, he said that it is possible to install MPAs near wind farms. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)