PML ‘If you haven’t already done so, by the end of May, please take time to complete a questionnaire for a survey that is being conducted by researchers at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) to assess the evidence on the economic benefits of marine protected areas and other spatial protection measures? The survey can be accessed here: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WWK6G/ and will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Apologies for cross postings

Please also pass details of the survey on to MPA managers, representatives of marine agencies and competent Member State authorities, researchers, as well as representatives from blue economy sectors (such as fisheries and aquaculture, maritime and coastal tourism and recreation, offshore oil and gas, offshore renewable energy, shipping transport, seaports and marinas, blue biotechnology, seabed aggregates and other mining, dredging and offshore construction etc.) to complete.

The survey forms part of a larger project funded by the European Commission entitled “The Economic Benefits of Marine Protected Areas”. PML is leading the stakeholder consultation and is trying to engage with a variety of institutions with marine interests, ‘blue economy’ stakeholders and MPA managers to gather opinions and evidence of economic benefits MPAs may generate. It is also interested in the role of MPA governance in conflict management, the creation of win-win situations between multiple users and the sustainable use of MPAs.

If you are interested in being interviewed in more depth about the topic, please contact Caroline Hattam (email: caro4@pml.ac.uk). The project team will be arranging interviews towards the end of the month or in June. Also, if you know of any useful reports that contain information about economic benefits of MPAs to the blue economy, they would be gratefully received, as would suggestions for case studies (anywhere in Europe – especially ones where lessons can be learnt about blue economy impacts or governance). Further information on the project is provided below. If you would like to know more, or have questions about the project or the survey please contact Caroline.