Additional files
Additional file 1: Defining the terminology
Table I. a The four main categories of spatial management measures (SMMs) taken into account and
the related interventions used in composing the search strings. Note that on consideration of protection
regimes some intervention types may be placed in multiple categories however individual studies will
only be placed in one category.
Indicative
Description/Characteristiques
SMMs
Interventions
Marine
Reserves
MRs
Marine
Protected
Areas
MPAs
Partial
Permanent
Protection*
PPP
Highly protected areas set aside to protect biodiversity by
conserving intact ecosystems, preventing all destructive and
extractive activities. Areas characterised by a large and
complete set of species of high ecological value and present in
significant density. Such protected areas can represent suitable
baseline for biodiversity studies providing indispensable
reference areas of pristine environmental condition for
scientific research and monitoring. Marine reserves may
comprise a whole no-take zone or frequently be a separate
zone within a multiple-use MPA (e.g. a "core" area usually
surrounded by other suitably protected areas).
Any removal and modification and extraction or collection of
marine resources (e.g. fishing, harvesting, dredging, mining or
drilling) is not allowed in these areas, with exception of
scientific research. Human visitation is limited.
Less strictly protected than marine reserves, set aside to
protect, manage and preserve the natural condition.
Usually larger than no-take zones, sometimes of sufficient size
to allow species to communicate and move (corridor,
migration routes, connectivity conservation corridors).
Opened to limited people mainly for visitation, promotion of
educative recreational activities and nature tourism (e.g. fixed
mooring points to manage density and limit seabed impacts
whilst providing access) although some extractive activities
may be allowed.
Regular,
continuous,
active
localised
management
interventions to maintain and protect specific critically
endangered flora and fauna species, population (of
international, national or local importance). Protect rare or
threatened habitats (including fragments of habitats) or parts
of ecosystems.
Often have the role of plugging the gap in conservation
strategies, acting to provide more flexible management
strategies and options to protect fragments of ecosystem or
habitats. These “static” spatial measures of management
require continuous and flexible management interventions and
enforcement to maintain and protect specific species, habitat
or part of ecosystems (e.g. special areas of conservation,
No-take zone
No-take area
Marine reserve
Closed area
special
zone
protection
national park
special
areas
protection
marine sanctuary
marine protected area
Sites of Community
Importance
Site of Special
Scientific Interest
Special Areas of
Conservation
Fisheries
zones
exclusion
buffer zone
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buffer zones between more strictly protected areas, fisheries
exclusive zones where only some fisheries are allowed).
Provide a management approach in areas that have already
undergone substantial modifications, necessitating protection
of remaining fragments. Human activities are regulates.
Partial
Temporal
Protection*
PTP
Time-limited spatial closure measures aimed at particular
species or groups and activities, where other human activities
are not curtailed (conservation boxes to restrict the fishing
activities during the spawning period of fish stocks, nursery
area). Temporal protection regimes are applied to protect
species at specific and predictable vulnerable periods of the
year. These most “dynamic” measures of spatial management
often take place in areas that have already undergone
substantial modifications, rely on continuing monitoring to
maintain their quality. Broad scale conservation in heavily
used marine areas, socio-economic human activity are
allowed, sustainable use is promoted.
Marine Conservation
Zone
nursery area
restricted area
conservation boxes
*Partial Protection measures: Represent protection regimes aimed at particular vulnerable population
or species or threatened habitats (including fragment of habitat), often with active management
intervention (e.g. protection of key benthic habitats from trawling or dredging, breeding areas,
spawning areas, feeding/foraging areas, nursery areas). Partial protection measures can be sub-grouped
in both permanent and temporal measures.
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