Conservation of marine habitats under multiple human uses. Methods, objectives and constraints to optimize a Marine Protected Areas network in the eastern English Channel

摘要: The eastern English Channel is a significant economic area that supports number of human-based activities, such as tourism and recreational international ports shipping, the extraction both living mineral resources. In addition, region important marine biological features large habitat diversity. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly used management tool to foster sustainable exploitation resources in an ecosystem based framework. All European countries have legal obligation develop MPA networks their national waters. However, there has date been only limited attempts coordinate design positioning at level use systematic conservation planning approach now recommended. This process aims propose coherent network, even trans-boundary context (EEC). studies conducted this thesis contribute scientific knowledge needed support anthropogenic activities objectives Channel.The representation whole biodiversity integrated approach. With objective, complete existing benthic typologies, pelagic typology was produced validated with various species distribution data ensure total would be considered.Marxan Zonation, two widely software packages provide decision for reserve systems were compared network EEC. It found Marxan most suitable subsequent analyses because it reasonably efficient clear solutions problem selecting system spatially cohesive sites met suite targets, results easily interpretable.Then, essential step approach, gap analysis realized scale currently proposed targets cover 33% correct assessment gaps not possible major part these do rules yet.Finally, influence human activity on studied using landings fishing effort data. Other information maritime traffic, aggregate or offshore windmills zones, on-going projects also added consider set uses regulations generate spatial constraints Channel.