Achieving Success under Pressure in the Conservation of Intensely Used Coastal Areas

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Understanding how biological conservation and socioeconomic development can be harmonized in socialecological systems is at the core of sustainability science. We present the case of a Mediterranean marine protected area (MPA), the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo MPA, that exhibits high ecological performance under intense pressure from fishing, tourism, and coastal development. This case study illustrates how socioeconomic development and significant conservation benefits can coexist, even in a challenging context. Based on this case study, we present a framework for what elements and interactions have determined the high ecological performance of this MPA, and highlight the key leverages that have enabled ecosystem recovery. In particular, the most critical elements underlying high performance were sufficient leadership and knowledge to identify a conservation vision and to catalyze some key actors in the implementation of this vision. Thus, success was ultimately determined by the ability of the leadership of the MPA to devise and implement an effective strategy, with the support and participation of key actors that were external to the MPA organization. The insights from this case study may be applicable to improving MPA management in other systems with similar characteristics, including high human pressures and the presence of an MPA authority.

Five key attributes can increase marine protected areas performance for small-scale fisheries management

“…The significant correlation between fishermen environmental commitment and enforcement , and OMS and enforcement , can therefore be expected assuming that enforcement results in compliance. However, factors regulating compliance are highly complex314448 with a limited effect of enforcement4449, contradicting classical deterrence theory. These results suggest that if stakeholders are not engaged in the management process, more surveillance and enforcement could result in a negative attitude of stakeholders toward the MPA.…”

Large marine protected areas (LMPAs) in the Mediterranean Sea: The opportunity of the Adriatic Sea

“…New technologies and tools that are currently being developed and tested, such as the use of satellite imagery to counteract illegal fishing [159], will provide new opportunities for real-time, costeffective surveillance and control of human activities in LMPAs. Involvement and participation of stakeholders such as fishers, tourism operators, and supporters of the LMPA is crucial for enforcement and compliance [160].…”

Beyond marine paper parks? Regulation theory to assess and address environmental non‐compliance

“…A more recent study of a Sardinian MPA has identified other causes leading to compliance with MPAs' rules (Micheli and Niccolini, ). The study demonstrates that the MPA ‘Tavolara ‐ Punta Coda Cavallo’ is a ‘superperfomer’ despite very low surveillance levels.…”

“…The study demonstrates that the MPA ‘Tavolara ‐ Punta Coda Cavallo’ is a ‘superperfomer’ despite very low surveillance levels. Good leadership by the director of the MPA and his ability to involve various partners in collaborative decision‐making are the factors enabling success in this case study (Micheli and Niccolini, ). However, although academic discussions of Italian MPA effectiveness are moving beyond issues of surveillance and classical deterrence theory, up to the present moment no multidisciplinary study has been carried out to understand and explain the complex range of factors determining compliance with MPAs' regulations and linking compliance motivations with MPA effectiveness in Italy, despite the fact that MPAs are increasingly recognized and analysed as complex social–ecological systems worldwide, demanding a multidisciplinary approach (Espinoza‐Tenorio et al ., ; Pollnac et al ., ; Bergseth et al ., ).…”