A network approach to migratory whale conservation: Are MPAs the way forward or do all roads lead to the IMO?. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geijer, Christina K.A.; Jones, Peter J.S.
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 51(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Fin whales -- Wide-ranging -- SPAMI network -- IMO -- Sectoral regulations; ABNJ Area Beyond National Jurisdiction -- AIS Automatic Identification System -- APM Associated Protection Measure -- ATBA Area to be Avoided -- CBD Convention on Biological Diversity -- EBM Ecosystem-based management -- EBSA Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas -- EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone -- EPZ Ecological Protection Zone -- EU European Union -- FPZ Fisheries Protection Zone -- ESA Endangered Species Act -- ICMMPA International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas -- ICS International Chamber of Shipping -- IMO International Maritime Organisation -- IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature -- GFCM General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean -- MAP Mediterranean Action Plan -- MEPC Marine Environment Protection Committee -- MMPA Marine Mammal Protected Area -- MPA Marine Protected Area -- NAV Safety of Navigation Committee -- NENA North East North Atlantic -- OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic -- PSSA Particularly Sensitive Sea Area -- RAC/SPA Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas -- SMA Seasonal Management Areas -- SPA/BD Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity -- SPAMI Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance -- TSS Traffic Separation Scheme -- UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea -- UNEP United Nations Environment Programme -- US United States -- WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2014.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this paper was to analyse the challenges and prospects of regional MPA networks as an effective tool for the protection of wide-ranging cetaceans, focusing on the potential of the Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI) network initiative to contribute to the conservation of the Mediterranean fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus ). One of the main threats to this vulnerable population is mortalities through ship strikes. It is argued that a SPAMI network does not have the potential to effectively reduce the threat of ship strikes on a firm legal, scientific and political basis, particularly given uncertainty over fin whale seasonal movements. Instead, an alternative sectoral approach to landscape-scale protection is discussed. Building on examples from North America, it is proposed that a wider spatial scale threat-based approach should be adopted, and that a regional network of restrictions of shipping activities through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will more effectively reduce the risk of ship–whale strikes. This is also more consistent with the ecosystem approach, since the emphasis is on ecological scales that cross administrative boundaries, even though it is within a single sector. It is concluded that mechanisms exist to address the challenges of implementing such an approach, and that sectoral measures through the IMO represent an important way forward for improving the conservation prospects for Mediterranean fin whales. Highlights: The SPAMI network initiative is limited on legal, scientific and political bases. The challenges of scientific uncertainty are exacerbated by geopolitical complexity. A sectoral approach via the IMO is better able to address regional whale conservation.