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It Looks Good on Paper, but Will it Work in Practice? - Improving Compliance With Aquatic Protected Areas

Mick Bishop

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

Theme: TH3

Recognition of compliance issues needs to begin very early in the development of new aquatic protected areas (APAs). It is a vital consideration in determining the design, location, size, number and nature of such areas. The example of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, supported by cases from Australian fisheries, illustrates factors that influence compliance with APAs management. Key issues include: consistency with the protected area objectives; choice of size, shape and boundary definition; management issues of remote locations; the influence of public acceptance; education and understanding; surveillance and enforcement options; compliance priority setting and planning; budget considerations; evaluating success; and adaptability to meet future challenges. The influence and interaction of each of these issues are discussed. Useful lessons are provided by past performance and new approaches.