Application of the MESMA framework. Case study : Strait of Sicily

This deliverable D2.2 comprises a manual containing the protocol for the application of the generic framework to the MESMA case studies. The generic framework (deliverable D2.1) is the central document for the subsequent work packages of MESMA. It provides a best practice guide for monitoring and evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (SMA) in seven distinctive and clearly outlined steps which comprise 1) setting the context, 2) collation of existing information and mapping, 3) setting of targets, 4) risk analysis and state assessment, 5) assessment of findings against operational objectives, 6) evaluation of the effectiveness of management measures and 7) adaptation of the current management regime based on the outcome of the assessments (for details see D2.1). Although the framework has been developed as a generic tool for use by a range of people involved in evaluating SMAs, the first version of the manual was specifically tailored (in certain areas) for use by the case studies (WP3 of MESMA). It was designed to be an aid to the case studies applying the framework. Thus, feedback on the performance of the framework and manual is guiding the production of a revised framework and manual (D2.3) to be delivered in November 2012. The revised versions will be made available to the wider scientific community and management bodies. This document is the third version of the original document D2.2. As outlined in more detail in D2.1, we have identified several links between the WP2 framework on the one hand and a structured governance analysis (WP6) on the other. These links are indicated in the respective framework steps. The MESMA generic framework and manual does not accommodate for a comprehensivec governance analysis. Therefore the MESMA case study research has two streams – the MESMA framework and the governance research analysis. Governance issues in all MESMA case studies will be analysed through the WP6 Governance Analytical Structure. Further guidance on governance research has been developed and is available in a separate document entitled ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’. The WP6 governance research essentially aims to address the following questions: 1) What are the governance approaches and incentives being adopted in a given existing initiative with spatial elements, and how effective are the incentives and governance approaches in that particular context in achieving a particular priority objective? 2) What are the potential incentives and governance approaches that could be implemented to improve effectiveness in achieving the specific objective of an existing initiative and addressing related conflicts? 3) How do wider issues, such as top-down/bottom-up balance, inter-sectoral integration and power, cross-border issues, justice and different levels of knowledge, affect the effectiveness of existing initiatives? This ‘two stream’ approach will provide a clear way forward for combining the MESMA framework and governance research to the case studies in an integrated and coherent manner. As a result, in depth governance analysis covered by the governance work package is outlined briefly in the introduction of each framework step together with specific actions which will be largely carried out under the governance research. Further details on the WP6 governance analysis and on how the two streams of work will be linked from a WP6 governance perspective can be found in the document ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’, and Appendix 1 of this document shows a visualisation of the linkages between the two streams of work. It should be noted that in order to be able to link and integrate WP2 and WP6 research, both of the following conditions should be met: 1) Both WP2 and WP6 research are about analysing an existing initiative. Such an initiative may be an integrated marine spatial plan or part of the integrated plan; or if there is no integrated marine spatial plan in place, an existing initiative with spatial elements (e.g. sectoral management plan with spatial restrictions) which may be linked or offer valuable lessons to the future development of an integrated marine spatial plan. 2) WP2 and WP6 research should focus on the same priority objective for at least one run of the WP2 framework. The practical implementation of the framework is also linked to specific tools which will be identified and developed in WP4 and the data handling standards specified in WP5. A revised version of the manual should then interlink the actions underneath each framework step with a set of practical tools comprising technical and conceptual tools.peer-reviewe

Deliverable 3.3 applicability of framework part VI : 1st run application of Strait of Sicily case study

This deliverable D2.2 comprises a manual containing the protocol for the application of the generic framework to the MESMA case studies. The generic framework (deliverable D2.1) is the central document for the subsequent work packages of MESMA. It provides a best practice guide for monitoring and evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (SMA) in seven distinctive and clearly outlined steps which comprise 1) setting the context, 2) collation of existing information and mapping, 3) setting of targets, 4) risk analysis and state assessment, 5) assessment of findings against operational objectives, 6) evaluation of the effectiveness of management measures and 7) adaptation of the current management regime based on the outcome of the assessments (for details see D2.1). Although the framework has been developed as a generic tool for use by a range of people involved in evaluating SMAs, the first version of the manual was specifically tailored (in certain areas) for use by the case studies (WP3 of MESMA). It was designed to be an aid to the case studies applying the framework. Thus, feedback on the performance of the framework and manual is guiding the production of a revised framework and manual (D2.3) to be delivered in November 2012. The revised versions will be made available to the wider scientific community and management bodies. This document is the third version of the original document D2.2. As outlined in more detail in D2.1, we have identified several links between the WP2 framework on the one hand and a structured governance analysis (WP6) on the other. These links are indicated in the respective framework steps. The MESMA generic framework and manual does not accommodate for a comprehensivec governance analysis. Therefore the MESMA case study research has two streams – the MESMA framework and the governance research analysis. Governance issues in all MESMA case studies will be analysed through the WP6 Governance Analytical Structure. Further guidance on governance research has been developed and is available in a separate document entitled ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’. The WP6 governance research essentially aims to address the following questions: 1) What are the governance approaches and incentives being adopted in a given existing initiative with spatial elements, and how effective are the incentives and governance approaches in that particular context in achieving a particular priority objective? 2) What are the potential incentives and governance approaches that could be implemented to improve effectiveness in achieving the specific objective of an existing initiative and addressing related conflicts? 3) How do wider issues, such as top-down/bottom-up balance, inter-sectoral integration and power, cross-border issues, justice and different levels of knowledge, affect the effectiveness of existing initiatives? This ‘two stream’ approach will provide a clear way forward for combining the MESMA framework and governance research to the case studies in an integrated and coherent manner. As a result, in depth governance analysis covered by the governance work package is outlined briefly in the introduction of each framework step together with specific actions which will be largely carried out under the governance research. Further details on the WP6 governance analysis and on how the two streams of work will be linked from a WP6 governance perspective can be found in the document ‘Guidelines for MESMA WP6 Governance Research’, and Appendix 1 of this document shows a visualisation of the linkages between the two streams of work. It should be noted that in order to be able to link and integrate WP2 and WP6 research, both of the following conditions should be met: 1) Both WP2 and WP6 research are about analysing an existing initiative. Such an initiative may be an integrated marine spatial plan or part of the integrated plan; or if there is no integrated marine spatial plan in place, an existing initiative with spatial elements (e.g. sectoral management plan with spatial restrictions) which may be linked or offer valuable lessons to the future development of an integrated marine spatial plan. 2) WP2 and WP6 research should focus on the same priority objective for at least one run of the WP2 framework. The practical implementation of the framework is also linked to specific tools which will be identified and developed in WP4 and the data handling standards specified in WP5. A revised version of the manual should then interlink the actions underneath each framework step with a set of practical tools comprising technical and conceptual tools.peer-reviewe

MAREA PROJECT : MEDISEH (Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats) specific contract no 2 (SI2.600741)

Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE request Ares (2011)665688: “Compile information supporting the identification and location of nursery areas (juveniles in their first and, if appropriate, second year of life) and spawning aggregations. This information, which is to be collated and archived in formats adequate for GIS rendering, shall refer to all the demersal and small pelagic species in the Mediterranean included in Appendix VII of Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 as well as for the species subject to minimum size (Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006-Annex III). In addition, ecological characterisation of these areas, both in terms of biological community (assemblage) and habitats therein, must be provided.” The technical tender form of the Specific Contract 2 (MEDISEH) defined the following objectives: Review of historical and current data on the locations and the status of seagrass beds, coralligenous and mäerl beds in different GSAs (Geographical Sub-Areas amending amending the Resolution GFCM/31/2007/2) all over the Mediterranean basin. Transform the information into a digitilized format within the framework of a geodatabase Review and map of all existing specific Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean area as well as areas that are under any form of national or international regulation. Identify and map suitable areas for Posidonia, coralligenous and mäerl communities by developing habitat distribution models at different spatial scales. Review and map all existing information on historical and current data of nurseries and spawning grounds of certain small pelagic (i.e., Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber spp., Trachurus spp.) and demersal species (i.e., Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Aristeus antennatus, Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Nephrops norvegicus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Pagellus erythrinus, Galeus melastomus, Raja clavata, Illex coindetti, Eledone cirrosa) that are included in the Data Collection Framework for the Mediterranean and subjected to minimum landing size based on Council Regulation No 1967/2006-Annex II. Analyze existing survey data and apply spatial analysis techniques in order to identify locations that are more likely to be density hot spot areas or are being more suitable for fish nurseries and spawning grounds for Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber spp., Trachurus trachurus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Aristeus antennatus, Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Nephrops norvegicus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Pagellus erythrinus, Galeus melastomus, Raja clavata, Illex coindetti, Eledone cirrosa These areas will also be characterized from an environmental and ecological perspective upon data availability. Integrate and present the aforementioned information through a Web-based GIS viewer with an associated geo-referenced database that will operate as a consulting tool for spatial management and conservation planning. Following the revision of the knowledge base, to identify gaps and suggest future research priorities. In order to meet these objectives, an expert team was composed within the MAREA Consortium from scientists with established expertise in the different topics required, and working in different areas of the Mediterranean basin. The team formed to execute the project includes the main Institutes of EU countries in the Mediterranean, all having solid reputations in the fields covered. The participating Institutes/Entities operate in the Western, Central and Eastern parts of the Mediterranean basin, and this ensures familiarity with the geographical areas that are related to the specific tendering. Moreover, a large number of scientists outside of the MAREA Consortium collaborated on a volunteer basis with data and other input. Details on the list of experts and external collaborators can be found in each Work Package in the present report. For CV details, check the MAREA expert web-site http://www.mareaproject.net/.peer-reviewe

Seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) distribution and trajectories of change.

Posidonia oceanica meadows are declining at alarming rates due to climate change and human activities. Although P. oceanica is considered the most important and well-studied seagrass species of the Mediterranean Sea, to date there has been a limited effort to combine all the spatial information available and provide a complete distribution of meadows across the basin. The aim of this work is to provide a fine-scale assessment of (i) the current and historical known distribution of P. oceanica, (ii) the total area of meadows and (iii) the magnitude of regressive phenomena in the last decades. The outcomes showed the current spatial distribution of P. oceanica, covering a known area of 1,224,707 ha, and highlighted the lack of relevant data in part of the basin (21,471 linear km of coastline). The estimated regression of meadows amounted to 34% in the last 50 years, showing that this generalised phenomenon had to be mainly ascribed to cumulative effects of multiple local stressors. Our results highlighted the importance of enforcing surveys to assess the status and prioritize areas where cost-effective schemes for threats reduction, capable of reversing present patterns of change and ensuring P. oceanica persistence at Mediterranean scale, could be implemented.This study was supported and financed by the Commission of the European Union (DG MARE) within the MAREA Framework contract (Call for tenders MARE/2009/05_Lot1) through the Specific Project MEDISEH (SI2.600741): Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats, that received 568.996 euro. The opinions expressed are those of the authors of the study only and do not represent the Commission’s official position. The European Commission is thankfully acknowledged.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from NPG via http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep1250

MESMA : a European project for the evaluation of spatially managed areas. The Strait of Sicily case study

The EU-funded MESMA project aims at developing tools for the monitoring and evaluation of spatially managed areas (SMAs). The Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean), which is one of the selected case studies, is an area characterized by several human activities impacting on the ecosystem and generating conflicts. The main output of MESMA will be a generic framework for the evaluation of SMAs coupled to a governance analysis carried out in each case study.Il progetto MESMA è finanziato dalla Commissione Europea, 7° Programma Quadro, bando FP7-ENV-2008-1, grant agreement n° 226661.peer-reviewe