A synthesis of the prevalence and drivers of non-compliance in marine protected areas
Date
2021
Authors
Iacarella, Josephine C.
Clyde, Georgia
Bergseth, Brock J.
Ban, Natalie C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Biological Conservation
Abstract
Non-compliance regularly negates the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide. Understanding and addressing non-compliance is critical given continued efforts to establish MPAs to meet international milestones (e.g., Aichi targets). We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis to address five key questions and research gaps for MPAs: 1) how is non-compliance best measured? 2) what are common drivers of non-compliance? 3) what is the overall prevalence of non-compliance? 4) how frequently is ecological failure of MPAs attributed to non-compliance? and 5) are there measurable management impacts on regulated fishing in MPAs (i.e., effective reduction of fishing)? We found 151 papers that had some focus on non-compliant resource extraction in MPAs and 96 that quantified it. Insufficient enforcement was the most cited driver of non-compliance, followed by several socio-economic drivers including lack of awareness, livelihood/economic gain, social norms, and ineffective governance. Prohibited fishing in MPAs was often reduced compared to outside areas, as shown by our meta-analysis. However, we found frequent reports and measures of non-compliance globally, and many cases of failed ecological performance attributed primarily to non-compliance (57% of 67 relevant studies). Overall, our synthesis demonstrates that non-compliance continues to be a prevalent issue for MPAs. Reducing non-compliance and ensuring effective MPAs will rely on continuous evaluation of non-compliance to inform adaptive management, as well as addressing the complex, interrelated drivers that arise throughout MPA planning, establishment, and management.
Description
Keywords
Ecological performance, Illegal activities, Literature review, Management effectiveness, Meta-analysis, Poaching
Citation
Iacarella, J. C., Clyde, G., Bergseth, B. J., & Ban, N. C. (2021). A synthesis of the prevalence and drivers of non-compliance in marine protected areas. Biological Conservation, 255, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108992.