An interdisciplinary approach to marine management and conservation: divergent experiences as a basis for global strategies

Ana Sabatés Freijo, Begoña Vendrell Simón, Covadonga Orejas Saco del Valle, Cristina Linares Prat, Josep Lloret Romañach, Juan Carlos Castilla Zenobi, Mikel Zabala Limousin, Miriam Fernández Bergia, Stefan Gelcich Crossley.

The project will evaluate the biological, social and economic efficiency of two contrasting models for the management and conservation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): the top-down model (MPAs of Cap de Creus, Spain and Lafken Mapu Lahual, Chile) and the bottom-up model (MPAs of the Illes Medes, Spain and Central Chile).

From a biological standpoint, the role of the different models will be assessed with reference to: (1) their potential to export propagules and biomass, (2) their ability to enlarge biomass in areas with varying degrees of human exploitation and impact, and (3) the conservation of biological and functional biodiversity. Social and economic evaluation will focus on (1) society’s response to and perception of marine conservation models and (2) the economics of ecosystem services.