Background Information - Total Fish Catchings and Natura 2000 Marine Protected Area per E.U. Coastal Country

Fishing in Europe

Europeans and the Northern Atlantic ocean as well as surrounding seas interact on both ecological and economic levels. Fishing in particular seems to play an increasing role in European economies. For instance, the european fishing fleet counted up to 81'253 fishing vessels in 2019 (European Commission, 2020). Moreover, 1.1 million tonnes of living organisms were produced by members of the E.U. in 2018 (Eurostat, n.d. c). Fish catchings in the E.U. are also being measured in Live Weight Equivalent, meaning that the tonnage indicated in our map represents the weight as it is taken from the water: only landed products, no processing, and including shells, ect. (Eurostat, 2021). In parallel with its economic importance, fishing puts considerable pressures on marine environments. Such pressures are multiple and complex and can therefore be difficult to quantify as a whole. Nevertheless, it still remains crucial for Europeans to cope with these pressures in order to ensure the future of marine environment and ecosystems.

Facing this challenge, the E.U. develops policies for sustainable exploitation of marine resources. To ensure sustainable fishing, the Common Fishery Policy sets 'rules for sustainably managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks' (European commission, n.d. a). Focusing on preserving marine environment, the Habitat Directive from 1992 and the Birds Directive from 1979 determine transnational conservation sites in which protection measures must be taken(European Commission, n.d. b; BMU, 2021). These European policies are in accordance with supra-national guidelines and follow the United Nations' (UN) 12th and 14th sustainable development goals (SDG). Sea Areas in International Rights

Natura 2000 Marine Protected Areas

In order to ensure E.U.-wide consistent protection regimes, Natura 2000 was created as a combined network of protected sites defined by the partially overlapping Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. Well administered national and regional protection regime systems should be implemented on land by 2010 and for marine habitats until 2012 under the name 'Natura 2000' and ensure the combination of nature conservation and social and economic interests. That is why our map only displays Natura 2000 data back to 2011 despite both Directives being far older (BMU, 2021; Natura 2000 Factsheet, 2009).

In this context, Natura 2000 marine areas seek to protect natural features from environmental pressures related to human activities. More precisely, the E.U. defines Natura 2000 marine protected areas (MPAs) as 'geographically distinct zones for which conservation measures are set' (European Environment Agency, 2015, p.8). Most of Natura 2000 MPAs are located within the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of E.U. countries. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) states that EEZ are areas extending 200 nautical miles from shore, within which the coastal state has the right to explore and exploit, and the responsibility to conserve and manage, both living and non-living resources (U.N., 1982).

Limitations

The information depicted through the interactive map along with the website's information is limited in many ways. First, this research focuses on geographical Europe. Affiliated overseas territories (e.g. Greenland, Saint-Martin, etc.) are not shown on the interactive map. Oversea territories that belong to the sovereign state territory (e.g. French Guiana, etc.) on the other hand are still depicted in the map for completeness. No oversea territories are included in the Natura 2000 data and the EEZ areas. However, the data about fish catchings includes all the fishery worldwide done by ships under the respective country's flag. This data is therefore not restricted to European EEZs in contrary to the Natura 2000 data.

Secondly, within Europe, only countries with Natura 2000 MPAs - that means E.U. countries - have been taken into account. The United Kingdom is included in this research as it still was a member of the E.U. in 2019. The role of other countries within geographical Europe taking part in the European fishing economies (e.g. Norway, Iceland) could be better investigated.

Moreover, Natura 2000 MPAs only compose 54.5% of MPAs in European countries (European Environment Agency, 2015, p.22). In fact, marine areas can be protected under country or region specific rules. In which case, the area could not be classified as a Natura 2000 MPA. This classification difference reveals another challenge when looking at European MPAs: management strategies may differ between countries. It could therefore be important for further research to investigate in more detail countries specific marine protection laws and policies.

Finally, data for fish catchings and areas covered by Natura 2000 is missing for some countries during specific years.

Findings

No clear trend in fishing production can be observed amongst the studied countries. Rather, fishing production seems to be varying greatly both between and within countries. More precisely, catchings can differ considerably between years for each country. Similarly, whereas some countries might see an increase in fishing production, others might experience a decrease during the same years. On the other hand, Natura 2000 MPAs have clearly increased in number and size since 2011. This increase could be a step towards more sustainable management of marine environments. Even though fishing production and Natura 2000 MPAs development data is presented together, we do not intend to show any correlation between these variables.

Literature References

Bundesministerium fuer Umwelt Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit, (2021). Natura 2000. Retrieved from: Natura 2000 (24.05.2021).

European Commision, (n.d. a). Common Fishery Policy (CFP). Retrieved from: Common Fishery Policy (CFP) (24.05.2021).

European Commission, (2020). Facts and Figures on the Common Fishery Policy. Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. Retrieved from: Common Fishery Policy: Facts and Figures (24.05.2021).

European Commission, (2009). Natura 2000 Factsheet. Doi: 10.2779/35717. Retrieved from: Natura 2000 Factsheet (24.05.2021).

European Commision, (n.d. b). Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts. Retrieved from: Our Oceans, Seas and Coasts (24.05.2021).

European Environment Agency, (2015). Marine Protected Areas in Europe's Seas - An overview and perspectives for the future. Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. Doi:10.2800/99473. Retrieved from: Marine Protected Areas in Europe's Seas (24.05.2021).

European Economic Interest Group, N2K Group, (2018). Review of fisheries management measures in Natura 2000 sites. Retrieved from: Review of fisheries management measures in Natura 2000 sites (24.05.2021).

Eurostat Data Browser, (2021). Catches in all fishing regions. Retrieved from: Catches in all fishing regions (26.05.2021).

Eurostat, (n.d. c). Fishery statistics. Retrieved from: Fishery statistics (24.05.2021).

United Nations, General Assembly, (1982). Convention on the Law of the Sea. Retrieved from: Convention on the Law of the Sea (24.05.2021).

United Nations, (n.d. d). Oceans and Seas. Retrieved from: Oceans and Seas (24.05.2021).

United Nations, (n.d. e). The 17 Goals. Retrieved from: The 17 Goals (24.05.2021).