The European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets the target for protected areas in the EU at 30% of its sea area, one third of which needs to be strictly protected. While there is growing interest in studying the progress of ocean protection, there is a need for an overview of the...

In total, nine case studies in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic EU Western Waters and some outermost regions (Madeira and Canary Islands) were selected to gather more information on the response of the fishing activities to MPA designation and implementation. The selection of case studies is...

Fifteen case studies in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, EU Atlantic Western Waters and some outermost regions (focusing on the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands) were selected to gather insights into potential spillover effects of different types of marine protected areas (MPAs). The majority of the...

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely recognized as an important tool for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. Despite empirical evidence that abundance and biomass of fished species increase within MPA boundaries, the potential for MPAs to provide fisheries benefits to...

This Scoping Report outlines ways to strengthen cooperation between Africa and Europe on ocean governance and blue economy, from which to forge a mutually beneficial roadmap for the two continents in line with the 2030 UN Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals and the AU's Agenda 2063. The...