Navigating future uncertainty in marine protected area governance: lessons from the Scottish MPA network

Hopkins, C. R. , Bailey, D. M. and Potts, T. (2018) Navigating future uncertainty in marine protected area governance: lessons from the Scottish MPA network. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 207, pp. 303-311. (doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2018.04.020)

Abstract

As international pressure for marine protection has increased, Scotland has increased spatial protection through the development of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. Few MPA networks to date have included specific considerations of climate change in the design, monitoring or management of the network. The Scottish MPA network followed a feature-led approach to identify a series of MPAs across the Scottish marine area and incorporated the diverse views of many different stakeholders. This feature led approach has led to wide ranging opinions and understandings regarding the success of the MPA network. Translating ideas of success into a policy approach whilst also considering how climate change may affect these ideas of success is a complex challenge. This paper presents the results of a Delphi process that aimed to facilitate clear communication between academics, policy makers and stakeholders in order to identify specific climate change considerations applicable to the Scottish MPA network. This study engaged a group of academic and non-academic stakeholders to discuss potential options that could be translated into an operational process for management of the MPA network. The results of Delphi process discussion are presented with the output of a management matrix tool, which could aid in future decisions for MPA management under scenarios of climate change.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was supported and funded by ClimateXChange (reference no: A10431853). ClimateXChange is a collaborative initiative between Scottish research and higher education institutes and is funded by the Scottish Government. The participant workshop was supported by a MASTS Small Grant SG215.
• Keywords: Aquatic science, oceanography.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bailey, Dr David and Hopkins, Miss Charlotte
• Authors: Hopkins, C. R., Bailey, D. M., and Potts, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0272-7714
• ISSN (Online): 1096-0015
• Published Online: 25 April 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 207: 303-311
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy