Concepts for offshore nature reserves in the southeastern North Sea
Rachor, E.; Günther, C.-P. (2001). Concepts for offshore nature reserves in the southeastern North Sea. Senckenb. Marit. 31(2): 353-361 In: Senckenbergiana Maritima: Wissenschaftliche Mitteilungen der Senckenbergischen naturforschenden Gesellschaft. E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung (Nägele u. Obermiller): Stuttgart. ISSN 0080-889X, more |  |
| Keywords | Aquatic communities > Benthos > Zoobenthos
Habitat
Marine parks
Ocean space > Exclusive economic zone
Offshore
ANE, Germany, German Bight [Marine Regions]; ANE, North Sea [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Rachor, E., more
- Günther, C.-P.
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| Abstract | The authors summarize general criteria for selection of marine areas for protection, discuss intentions of the European Council initiative to create a coherent European network of nature reserves, point to increasing pressure on marine life by new offshore activities and installations, and arrive at preliminary proposals for offshore marine protected areas (MPAs) in the southeastern North Sea. To protect benthic communities, the minimum MPA size should not be less than 100 km²; distances of such MPAs, serving as 'stepping stones' and refuges, should not exceed 100 km to guarantee coherence. Some shortcomings of the European habitat Directive are identified and a few proposals made to consider additional marine habitat types and functional aspects within future protection activities. |
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