Viewpoint. Management of Marine Protected Areas in the UK: Lessons from statutory and voluntary approaches

Abstract

Abstract The establishment of Marine Protected Areas in the UK has been an extremely slow process. Two sites have statutory protection and a further nine are voluntary marine conservation areas. There has been a distinctly different approach to site protection depending on whether the initiative is statutory or voluntary. The advantages and disadvantages of each are illustrated through examples. Sites with voluntary protection are often seen as positive, and involving the local community. The overriding issue for legally protected sites is concern that they are a threat to existing rights. A combined approach is needed. There should be statutory protection for key sites, whereas voluntary marine protected areas should be encouraged all around the coast, regardless of whether an area is of nature conservation value. A key lesson to learn from the voluntary approach is the need to involve people who will be affected by the proposals as early as possible.