Are Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Really Effective for Fishing and Biodiversity?

In the Mediterranean, overfishing and the degradation of marine ecosystems threaten the survival of many species and the sustainability of fishing activities. A recent study reveals that management tools such as marine protected areas, fishing restrictions, and the reduction of fishing effort play a key role, but their effectiveness depends heavily on their level of protection and their enforcement in the field.

Commercial species, particularly fish, benefit more from these measures than non-commercial species or benthic organisms, the latter including animals and plants living on the seabed. Among the tools studied, fully protected areas, where all fishing activities are prohibited, show more positive results than partially protected areas, where certain practices remain allowed. However, even these partially protected areas offer fewer benefits than targeted fishing restrictions or the overall reduction of fishing effort.

Strict enforcement of the rules is a decisive factor. Fully protected and well-monitored areas produce much more beneficial effects than those with weak or moderate control. Conversely, when enforcement is lax, ecological and economic benefits diminish or even disappear. This is because, without surveillance, illegal activities persist and undermine conservation objectives.

Fishing restrictions, such as bans on bottom trawling or limits on fishing effort in certain areas, can also improve the state of fish stocks and habitats. When well-designed and respected, these measures promote the recovery of fish populations and reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems. However, their economic impact can be mixed: while some fleets see their profits decline in the short term, others benefit from the increase in commercial stocks.

The study also highlights a lack of data on the actual enforcement of rules in nearly one-third of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean. This makes it difficult to accurately assess their effectiveness. Furthermore, the majority of protected areas in the Mediterranean are classified as “minimally protected,” meaning they still allow human activities that are harmful to biodiversity.

To achieve sustainability goals, it is therefore essential to prioritize fully protected and well-monitored areas, while integrating these management tools into broader marine spatial planning. This involves better coordination between conservation and fishing policies, which are often treated separately, to maximize benefits for ecosystems and local communities. A participatory approach, involving fishermen and scientists, also promotes acceptance and compliance with the rules, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.

Finally, commercial species respond better to protection measures than non-commercial species or benthic assemblages. This is because commercially exploited species are often more studied and better monitored, allowing management measures to be tailored to their specific needs. In contrast, seabed organisms, which are less monitored, show more variable responses, sometimes neutral or even negative, depending on local contexts.

This analysis confirms that the quality of protection and rule enforcement is just as important as the quantity of protected areas. Without rigorous management and appropriate control measures, even the best intentions risk having no effect.

Credits and Attributions

Primary Source

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-026-10044-5

Title: Ecological and economic outcomes of area-based conservation and sustainable fisheries management in the Mediterranean Sea

Journal: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: M. D. Castro-Cadenas; J. Claudet; M. Ortega; V. Sbragaglia; M. Coll