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Current Policy Trends in the Planning of Marine Protected Areas

John Davis

MPA News, SEATTLE, USA

Theme: TH3

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are playing a growing role in marine and coastal resource management. In the past quarter-century, marine resource managers have created thousands of MPAs around the world, viewing them as an important tool for protecting ecosystems and species from overexploitation. There is still much to learn about the science (both natural and social) of MPAs; this has posed challenges for the effective planning of MPAs. In addressing these challenges, policymakers have adopted an array of strategies for establishing new MPAs, networking existing ones, and linking MPAs to other management programs, including fisheries production and tourism. This contribution will document some of the current global trends in MPA planning, including the areas of goal-setting and siting of MPAs. The author is the editor of MPA News, the international newsletter on planning and management of MPAs. Featuring news, analysis, and tips gathered from MPA practitioners around the world, MPA News is the preminent source of information on innovations and new approaches in MPA planning and management. The contribution will draw upon MPA News's most up-to-date research on existing and emerging trends in MPA planning, gleaned from interviews with top experts in the field.