Abstract
In 2022, United Nations Member States have committed to conserving and protecting 30 percent of marine and coastal waters by 2030, meaning a three-fold increase in the extent of marine protected areas (MPAs). Given the challenge this represents and the dependence of nearly 40 million people on fisheries, it is crucial to understand the socio-economic implications of MPAs for local fishing communities. This project has three objectives. First, it will quantitatively assess local fishers' willingness to accept MPAs and preferences regarding their design ex-ante, based on a survey and discrete choice experiment. Second, it will estimate the impact of MPAs on fishing communities' income, employment, food security and nutrition, and happiness, based on a survey and analysis using propensity score matching and structural equation models. This way, it will be possible to investigate causal impact pathways and influencing factors. Third, this project will develop a novel methodology to estimate illegal fishing practices on a local scale using a participatory mixed methods strategy, which will then be used to investigate the extent and dynamics of illegal fishing within and around MPAs. To reach these objectives, a multiple case study approach will be taken with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, including foreseen and established MPAs in Senegal and Cabo Verde. Overall, the project will lead to several academic breakthroughs and empirical evidence on MPAs, guiding sound policy-making.
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