Light and Shade in Marine Conservation Across European and Contiguous Seas

摘要: As a response to increasing human pressures on marine ecosystems, the legislation aimed at improving conservation and management of coastal areas in European Contiguous Seas (ECS) underwent crucial advances. ECS, however, still remain largely affected by threats leading biodiversity loss. Here, using emblematic case studies expert knowledge, we review current tools, comparing their application different assess effectiveness, potential for synergies, contradictions. Despite regional differences application, existing legislative frameworks have regulate activities protect biodiversity. However, four challenges be addressed fully achieve environmental policy goals: 1) Lack shared vision representing limitation transboundary collaboration. Although all EU countries are committed fulfil Directives other binding international acts, remarkable heterogeneity exists among compliance with common degree implementation. 2) systematic procedures selection protected sites. Regional national approaches designating Natura 2000 sites nationally designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) reflect varying targets importance issues political agendas. 3) coherent ecological networks. MPAs far from reaching status effective networks considered studies. 4) Hotspot conflicts private economic interests prevailing over aims. Recommendations given overcome fragmented approach characterizing environments. Holistic, integrated, ecosystem-based, cross-cutting can avoid institutions so as provide timely solutions future concerning ecosystems associated goods services.