Marine Protected Area

Marine Protected Areais the protection of a particular marine area from human influence and the preservation of its natural, historical and cultural features. This protection is provided by the law, and often with the support and participation of local people and interest groups. Although there is no Marine Protected Area legal status in Turkey, marine biodiversity, species populations, historical and cultural values are tried to be protected with the status of Special Environmental Protection Area,, Nature Park or National Park within the current “protected areas” system.

What is a Marine Protected Area?

“Marine Protected Area” is a marine area that is mainly reserved for the protection of biological diversityas well as both cultural  and natural values,an area which is managed by laws and/or other effective mechanisms. Protected Areas are important in terms of  the sustainablety of natural resources and  ecosystems serviceses . Marine Protected Areas are insurance for marine and human life. Effective and good management of protected areas and declaration of new protected areas are crucial for the protection of ecosystems, species and ecological processes. One of the main problems encountered in the management of Marine Protected Areas is the lack of sufficient resources for inspection and implementation. The best way to overcome this is to carry out the monitoring, implementation and inspection with local resources with the participation of local people. This practice provides both increased job opportunities and better protection of the area.

Why Do We Need Marine Protected Areas?

Developing technology has changed the way the sea and its environment are used and the sectors intertwined with the sea (fisheries, tourism, agriculture). This change affects marine biodiversity seriously. Fish stocks are declining rapidly, and the destruction of the marine ecosystem continues with land-based pollutants. Marine Protected Areas are a form of management that contributes to the solution of these problems and supports the continuity of marine resources. Marine Protected Areas offer many benefits for the fishing industry, local economies and the marine ecosystem:

 

  • It helps to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Contributes to preventing declines in global and local fish populations through the protection of breeding, feeding and migratory habitats.
  • It serves to protect and improve cultural heritage.
  • By protecting all these values, it increases the possibilities of sustainable fishing and tourism activities and supports local economic development.