Report and Documentation of the Expert Workshop on Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Management

The Expert Workshop on Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Management: Review of Issues and Considerations was held in Rome from 12 to 14 June 2006. The workshop is a response to the FAO Committee on Fisheries' call for technical guidelines for marine protected areas (MPAs) to assist Members to establish representative networks of MPAs by 2012, as agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. During the workshop, invited experts and FAO staff discussed characteristics of marine protected areas (MPAs) relevant to fisheries management. Their discussions were informed and stimulated by six background papers on a wide range of topics including concepts and definitions, case studies of MPAs, biological factors, economic and social considerations, governance, legal aspects, and the interface between MPAs and fisheries management. The workshop also considered a draft framework outline for technical guidelines on MPAs and fisheries management. Participants agreed upon "Key Points" on definitions, terminology and concepts; design, implementation and monitoring; and guidelines.