November 2015 edition National strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas Summary

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy

www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

Cuttlefish (Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Park) - Shellfish gatherer (Estuaires picards and mer d’Opale Marine Nature Park) - Counting of brittle stars by agents of the Iroise Marine Nature Park - Observation by agents of the Iroise Marine Nature Park

97 % of waters under French jurisdiction belong to its overseas territories

UNDERSTAND

BRING TOGETHER

ASSESS

MANAGE

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Coral reef ecosystem (Mayotte Marine Nature Park) - Traditional fishing boat (Gulf of Lion Marine nd Nature Park) - Collection of crown- France has the 2 largest of-thorns specimens (Mayotte maritime area in the world Marine Nature Park) - Discovery (more than 10 million km²) excursion to the reef flat (Mayotte Marine Nature Park) after the United States

PROTECT

DEVELOP

MOBILISE

EDUCATE

10 % of the planet's coral reefs are in French waters

3 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

EDITORIAL...... p_5

DEVeLOPING AND MANAGING THE MARINE PROTECTED AREAs NETWORK...... p_7

THE MARINE PROTECTED AREAs NETWORK IN FRANCE...... p_8 ⊲ What is a marine protected area? ⊲ What is the utility of a marine protected area?

5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE NETWORK OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS...... p_12 ⊲ Principle 1. A network that is integrated into a general mechanism for gaining knowledge of and monitoring the marine environment and its uses ⊲ Principle 2. A network that contributes to the good environmental status of marine ecosystems ⊲ Principle 3. A network that contributes to the maintenance or sustainable development of maritime economic activities ⊲ Principle 4. A network included in the integrated policies for marine environmental management and which contributes to the land-sea coherence of public policy. ⊲ Principle 5. A network that meets multi-scale objectives

9 STRATEGIC AREAS FOR EXPANDING AND MANAGING THE NETWORK...... p_14 ⊲ Area 1. Strengthen the creation of Natural Reserves ⊲ Area 2. Contribute to the management of fishery resources CON TENTS ⊲ Area 3. Develop the overseas network ⊲ Area 4. Make use of and pool the existing tools ⊲ Area 5. Encourage adaptive management ⊲ Area 6. Improve consideration of the land-sea dimension ⊲ Area 7. Regulate and survey ⊲ Area 8. Monitor and assess management outcomes ⊲ Area 9. Estimate financial costs

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION PER GEOGRAPHICAL AREA...... p_18 ⊲ High seas and international waters ⊲ Pacific Ocean ⊲ Indian Ocean ⊲ French Antilles and French Guiana ⊲ Southern Ocean ⊲ English Channel and the Atlantic ⊲ Mediterranean

GLOSSARY ...... P_22

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy EDITORIAL by François Mitteault, Water and Biodiversity Director

ith the second largest area of maritime jurisdiction in the world, France is present in all the oceans except the Arctic. To protect its natural resources, it is committed to a pro- active policy to create marine protected areas in all of its waters, both in Metropolitan France and overseas. The national strategy for the creation and management of marine Wprotected areas adopted in 2012 and presented in this brochure reflects this approach. It not only aims to fulfil the international commitments made under the Convention on Biological Diversity, but also to achieve the specific targets that France has set itself. This strategy is not a one-off initiative; it is part of the national strategy for biodiversity and the national strategy for the sea and the coast. In Metropolitan France, it contributes to implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Natura 2000 network. It confirms and pursues the ambitions of the first strategy developed in 2007 for Metropolitan France alone, while being completed with an essential overseas component, given the wealth of the nation's overseas marine environments. This component brings a change of scale in the size of MPA projects and involves work in partnership with the territories.

France is fully involved in international talks on marine biodiversity protection: debate on the high seas and implementation of regional seas conventions following on from initiatives taken in its own waters. Management of the marine environment must take account of its changing, open and dynamic nature. The Ministry for Sustainable Development is also aware of the importance of sharing MPA management to ensure that good ecological status is achieved in marine environments. This management must involve stakeholders with key technical and cultural specificities, whether territorial representatives, profession- als, NGOs or scientists. This is the spirit in which managers, the Marine Protected Areas Agency (Agence des aires marines protégées) and Government services work.

Actively involved in a national and international process, France pursues its efforts so that the ambitions stated in the strategy materialise. Since 2012, four new marine nature parks have been created. Four park management plans have been validated and will lead to concrete action on the ground. In Metropolitan France, the extension of the Natura 2000 offshore network has been initiated to meet the needs identi- fied for marine mammals, seabirds and reefs. When the action plans for the marine environment come into force in 2016, this will be the opportunity to start work on functional fishing zones and the develop- ment of reinforced protection, the strategy's key focuses. France is thus demonstrating its determination to place the sea and the oceans at the centre of the ecological transition it is driving. ■

5 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas Summary

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy DEVELOPING AND MANAGING THE MARINE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK

he new French strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas follows a first national strategy Who contributed adopted in 2007 which focused on the waters of mainland to developing the strategy? France. The former strategy laid down the cross-cutting A working group, led by directions and proposed a short-term action programme the Marine Protected Twhich focused on the extension of the Natura 2000 network in the Areas Agency's board marine environment and the creation of marine nature parks. of directors, was created to develop this revised strategy. Since 2007 there have been several important developments: the This group of around adoption of the French strategy for the sea and oceans in 2009; the fifty members brought together representatives 2009 and 2010 Grenelle laws which established integrated maritime of the Government, policy (see glossary on p.22); and the Marine Strategy Framework local authorities, Directive (MSFD - see glossary) in 2011. These developments have the economic sectors involved, research been accompanied by a set of strong commitments: organisations and ⊲ 20 % of French waters to be covered by marine protected areas by environmental organisations. On the the year 2020 (a more ambitious objective than the 10% goal set basis of this group's by the Convention on Biological Diversity - CBD); conclusions, the ⊲ development of a new governance approach on both the national Government adopted the strategy in March level and on the level of the different coastlines (Grenelle laws); 2012. ⊲ a global objective to achieve good environmental status for mainland France by the year 2020 (MSFD).

On an international level, France supports the efforts of the CBD to develop a worldwide network of marine protected areas and actively The concept contributes to work pertaining to the regional seas conventions. In of the MPAs this context, marine protected areas (MPAs) have an important role network to play, helping to protect biodiversity and encouraging the develop- The aim of setting up ment of original governance models. Depending on the situation, a veritable network their implementation can correspond to an integrated approach in of marine protected which protection and sustainable development co-exist, or a philoso- areas is to achieve an effect (protection, phy based strongly on protection. management), not only on a local level but also On a national level, the law of 14 April 2006 saw the creation of the at the ecoregional level. Together the MPAs make Marine Protected Areas Agency and established the first six catego- it possible to create ries of marine protected areas, including the new category of Marine human networks that Nature Park. are able to share and pool good management practices, develop pilot The current strategy specifies how France intends to expand its ac- approaches and improve tion to develop and manage the network of marine protected areas: knowledge of the marine environment. objectives, geographical priorities, principles, etc. ■

7 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

THE MARINE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN FRANCE WHAT HAVE BEEN THE ⊲ What is a marine protected area? MAIN DEVELOPMENTS A marine protected area (MPA) is a clearly defined zone in the SINCE 2006? sea for which a long-term environmental protection objec- tive has been defined. A number of management measures are implemented in order to achieve this objective: scientific ò Mainland France monitoring, action plan, codes of good conduct, protection of - Creation of five marine nature the maritime public domain, regulations, surveillance, public parks (Iroise in 2007, Golfe du Lion information, etc. Based on this definition, the aim of provid- in 2011, Estuaires picards et mer ing protection is not exclusive of other objectives, in particular d’Opale in 2012, Bassin d'Arcachon carefully controlled economic development (sustainable use in 2014, Estuaire de la Gironde et and exploitation of marine resources). mer des Pertuis in 2015) - Creation of the Calanques The law of 14 April 2006 defines six MPA categories1: National Park in 2012 ⊲ National Parks; - Extension of the Port-Cros ⊲ Natural Reserves; National Park in 2012 ⊲ Biotope Protection Areas; - Major extension of the Natura 2000 ⊲ Marine Nature Parks; network in the marine environment ⊲ Natura 2000 Sites; between 2008 and 2010 ⊲ parts of the maritime public domain managed by the Conservatoire de l’espace littoral et des rivages lacustres (Coastal and lake shore conservation authority). ù Atlantic Ocean This list was extended by the order of 3 June 2011, mainly in (French Antilles) order to take international commitments into account1: ⊲ sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; - Creation of the specially ⊲ UNESCO Biosphere Reserves; protected area of the Cartagena ⊲ Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention "Agoa" in 2012 Convention); (marine mammal sanctuary) ⊲ Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance - Marine extension of Guadeloupe (Barcelona Convention); National Park in 2009 ⊲ Marine Protected Areas of the OSPAR (Oslo-Paris) convention; ⊲ Specially Protected Areas of the Cartagena Convention; ä Indian Ocean ⊲ Specially Protected Areas of the Nairobi Convention; Creation of Mayotte ⊲ Specially Protected Areas of the Madrid Protocol to the Marine Nature Park in 2010 Antarctic Treaty; and Glorieuses Marine Nature ⊲ National Wildlife Reserves. Park in 2012

1. In this list, the marine protected areas only concern zones with a maritime component. ë Southern Ocean Creation of the Natural Reserve of the French Southern Territories in 2006 A public establishment for the protection of the marine environment The law of 14 April 2006 saw the creation of the Agence des ö Pacific Ocean aires marines protégées (Marine Protected Areas Agency) whose - Addition of the lagoons of New headquarters are located in Brest (Brittany). Its main missions are to support public policy for the creation and management of Caledonia to the World Heritage list MPAs across all of France's public maritime domain; coordinate the in July 2008 MPAs network; manage the Marine Nature Parks; and strengthen - Creation of the Coral Sea Natural France's potential in international negotiations on maritime affairs. Park by the government of New Caledonia and France in April 2014 (1.3 million km²)

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy

Growth of the French MPAs network WHAT IS THE SITUATION in terms of surface area of French waters REGARDING MARINE PROTECTED

% AREAS IN 2015? 16,5 16 16.5% of French waters are covered by at least one marine protected area (23.6% 12 of mainland waters and 16.3% of overseas waters). 8 creation of the Marine Protected Areas Agency TARGET SET FOR 2020 4 3,8 of French waters are to be protected 0,8 20% 0 areas whereas the international target is 2006 2009 2013 2015 set at 10%.

Arctic Ocean

Mainland France ò Pacific Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon Ocean

French Antilles ù (Guadeloupe and Martinique) French Clipperton Guiana

äTromelin Wallis-et-Futuna Réunion Atlantic Indian ö Ocean Mayotte and Ocean New Caledonia Îles Éparses French Saint-Paul Polynesia and Amsterdam Kerguelen Crozet ë Southern Ocean Water under French jurisdiction Water under another state's jurisdiction International waters

9 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

What is the purpose of a marine protected area? MPAs must maintain or achieve good environmental status of marine waters. This entails the following in particular: ⊲ the protection of biodiversity or of areas of high biological diversity, including: ⊲ the protection of rare and endangered species or habitats; ⊲ the conservation of a characteristic ensemble including an array of remarkable habitats; ⊲ the protection or replenishment of fishery resources; ⊲ Maintenance of the capacities of key ecosystems for fishery and shellfish resources or for heritage species; ⊲ the sustainable management of a natural environment subjected to multiple uses; ⊲ the protection of unspoilt surroundings that are highly attractive to tourists; ⊲ the restoration of damaged environments; ⊲ the introduction of compensatory ecological measures for destructive activities or facilities; ⊲ the search for a scientific reference area; ⊲ the creation of an education centre for marine protection.

Regulatory objectives assigned to the different categories of MPA, defined by the law of 14 April 2006. In practice, objectives not mentioned in the Environment Code can be achieved.

Categories of marine protected areas

Legally-binding objectives Natural Marine National Marine MPD Biotope Reserve Natura Park Nature (Conser­ Protection 2000 Site Park vatoire du Area littoral)

Good environmental status of listed and heritage species or those that deserve to be thus classified (rare and endangered species)

Good environmental status of unlisted species and habitats that are targeted by MPA management (exploited fish species, locally very abundant species which place a biogeographical responsibility on the host site, etc.)

Rendering of key ecological functions (spawning and nursery areas, productivity, rest, feeding, migration, etc.)

Good environmental status of marine waters

Sustainable exploitation of resources

Sustainable development of uses

Preservation of maritime cultural heritage

Added social, economic, scientific or academic value

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Djarifa fishing, a women's activity (Mayotte Marine Nature Park) - Seahorse (The Ridens rocky shallows in the English Channel) - Recreational angler (Iroise Marine Nature Park) - Shoal of anthias (Mayotte Marine Nature Park) - Sea turtle (Mayotte Marine Nature Park)

11 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

Principle 1 Principle 2 A network that is integrated A network that contributes to into a general mechanism the good environmental status to research and monitor of marine ecosystems the marine environment In order to make a meaningful con- and its uses tribution to the protection of marine GUIDING Thanks to their field teams, the large ecosystems, the MPAs network must 5 area of French waters covered and meet several criteria, to be assessed PRINCIPLES the existence of management net- according to the best available scien- works that facilitate coordination, tific information: MPAs structure the mechanism for ⊲ representativeness: the network FOR THE gaining knowledge and monitoring must include an adequate share of the marine environment and its uses marine biodiversity (heritage habi- NETWORK (MSFD). tats and species, functional areas); This requires working in partnership ⊲ connectivity (see glossary on p.22) OF MARINE with the research sector so that must be understood as a characteristic questions may be asked, protocols of the network which allows anomalies PROTECTED designed, findings applied, exchanges to be corrected that could otherwise made with the network and the lead to the destruction in one place of AREAS scientific observatories, and data the effects of the protection measures pooling strategies developed. implemented in another; this concept MPAs should also encourage the also takes into account that the suc- development of partnerships with cessive life cycle stages of species may the professional sectors (such as take place in different spatial contexts. the fishing industry) and voluntary This connectivity can also be extended sectors (participatory science). to include the land-sea dimension; ⊲ replication of habitats and func- tional areas within the network avoids the protection of a given habi- tat falling under the responsibility of one single zone: this acts as a kind of insurance against localised disasters.

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy The richness of the seabed (Mayotte Marine Nature Park) - First dive (Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Park)

Principle 3 Principle 4 Principle 5 A network that contributes to A network included in the A network that meets the maintenance or sustainable integrated policies for marine multi-scale objectives development of maritime environmental management The network should be part of a economic activities and which contributes to the multi-level system of interlocking land-sea coherence of public Human activity – be it maritime trans- tiers, allowing France to meet its port, the production of renewable policy international and Community com- energy, the extraction of raw mate- According to the category-specific mitments, in particular relating to rials, fishing and aquaculture, water objectives and the local context, MPA the Convention on Biological Diversity sports or tourism – is a core feature of managers develop management (CBD), whilst cooperating on a regional France's MPA network. The future of measures which are coherent with level with the neighbouring states most of these activities depends on the local policies in place: under the auspices of the regional seas the quality of the marine environment. ⊲ as far as the sea dimension is conventions. In MPAs, reconciling these mari- concerned, MPAs are included in the It is also necessary to ensure proper time activities, be they professional integrated ecosystem-based policies interaction with sectoral organisations; or recreational, with the objectives for the management of marine envi- to contribute to plans of action for the of marine conservation will require ronments and uses (MSFD, integrated marine environment and to strategic considerable dialogue with stake- maritime policy). Furthermore, they documents on the French seaboards; holders in the marine environment themselves develop an integrated and to address local concerns. in order to find the most appropriate and ecosystem-based approach; On the regional level, considerable solutions. When tight restrictions are ⊲ as far as the land dimension is con- cooperative efforts are required considered, the economic and social cerned, coastal MPAs must be firmly (regional seas conventions, regional consequences need to be anticipated committed to maintaining or improv- fisheries management organisations, and the appropriate support provided ing water quality and, more generally, intergovernmental scientific or- (training, diversification, conversion, be coherent with land-based protec- ganisations and international MPA etc.). tion and planning strategies. management networks).

13 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

Area 1 Area 2 Strengthen the creation of Contribute to the management Natural Reserves of fishery resources "Natural Reserve" MPAs are still MPAs can take part in the manage- relatively rare in French seas, covering ment of fishery resources, either by only 0.3% of mainland France's protecting functional fishing areas waters. Yet they offer a high level or by applying catch limits. STRATEGIC of protection which is adapted to As far as legal tools are concerned, fish- 9 restoring or maintaining in good ing regulations already partially meet AREAS FOR condition sensitive sites or sites with the assigned objectives. However, a high heritage value. These may be the utility of an integrated approach, EXPANDING specific sites or core areas within taking all activities into account, has other, much larger MPAs (Marine prompted the exploration of the avail- AND MANAGING Nature Park, Marine Natura 2000 able nature protection tools. Various Site), according to the principle of approaches must be considered such national park core areas. as bringing the framework of the THE NETWORK Natural reserve projects should use national natural reserves into play; the marine environment action plans creating a new category within the for mainland France as a framework – Natural Reserves; or creating an instru- and thus be studied by the maritime ment dedicated to the protection of council for the appropriate seaboard – functional fishing areas. and follow the regional version of the As far as scientific grounding is con- French strategy for the creation of cerned, it is necessary to compile protected areas (SCAP). The possibil- knowledge on the functionality of ity of creating natural reserves beyond the fish species whose stock status the boundaries of the territorial sea is calls for the implementation of com- also envisaged in order to complete plementary measures. the tool kit available to the public As far as the current state is concerned, authorities in the Exclusive Economic restrictions on existing activities need Zone (EEZ). to be mapped. This could be based on the regulatory atlas elaborated by the Directorate of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture within the framework of the fisheries portal.

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Mapping of the Molène seaweed fields by agents of the Iroise Marine Nature Park - Shoal of fish in Polynesian waters

Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Develop the overseas network Make use of and pool Encourage adaptive existing tools management The objective of 20% of French wa- ters covered by an MPA by 2020 is a Several types of tool can be su- The changeable, moving and open considerable challenge considering perposed within any one area. nature of the marine environment that overseas French waters repre- Sea users may consider this juxtapo- requires being able to adapt the sent 97% of French maritime areas. sition to be over-complex. However, management of both the latter it- Major projects need to be carried out it is quite legitimate; for example, a self and the activities that take place (see the priorities for action on p.18) Marine Nature Park covering a large there. MPAs can be considered to in order to reach the objectives of geographical area may include one or be good practice "laboratories" and the French strategy, taking into ac- several Natural Reserves, correspond- nurseries of knowledge. To deal with count the skills available to the local ing to a desire to offer a high level of the challenge of effective adaptive authorities. protection in certain areas of the park. management of the marine environ- Bilateral cooperation with the States To establish the legitimacy of this type ment, priority can be given to large or regional organisations concerned of spatial juxtaposition, one needs MPAs (although other options may be must constitute an integral part of to be able to justify and explain its envisaged). these major projects. In the Pacific coherence. Otherwise, the functioning These enable the elaboration of Ocean, environmental jurisdiction of the existing mechanisms within any flexible and temporally adjustable is assigned to the French territory one territory must be improved or syn- measures and are in a better position concerned, which is therefore respon- ergised (simplification of governance, than a group of several small MPAs to sible for the projects. Obviously, these elimination of overlap, realignment coherently deal with issues of com- should not overshadow the work car- of the boundaries, pooling of techni- mon interest between neighbouring ried out locally in smaller areas of the cal means for field or analysis work). sites within the area. This adaptive ap- MPA network (reserves, local MPAs Synergy and complementarity be- proach may lead to adjustments being governed by Polynesian or New- tween the marine protected areas made in the MPAs boundaries, accord- Caledonian law). and other territorial tools, such as an ing to the advancement of knowledge. outline for the organisation of the de- velopment and management of water resources (SAGE) or Sea Enhancement Programmes (SMVM), should also be core concerns. ⊲

15 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

Area 7 Regulate and survey Since the Government shoulders full responsibility at sea, regulations are in their rightful place in this context, although they may be supplemented Oyster farming at Lège-Cap by tools such as charters and con- Ferret (Bay of Arcachon) - Zostera Area 6 tracts. In order to be efficient, these seagrass beds (Iroise Marine regulations must be drafted on the Nature Park) Improve consideration of the land-sea dimension basis of a concerted approach and be simple, flexible and manageable. The importance of the coastal fringe The regulations relating to MPAs in the functioning of marine eco- must be taken into account in the systems, the specific features and sectoral control plans developed at functionalities of coastal ecosystems, different geographical levels. A pro- the issue of good environmental cess should be developed for the status of marine waters, and the elaboration of MPAs control plans. pressure of coastal developments The implementation of these control and uses are all reasons for giving plans needs to be accompanied by special consideration to the land-sea efforts to raise the awareness of the dimension and for establishing prin- judicial authority about the stakes ciples of action for MPAs: involved in marine protection, so ⊲ the development of knowledge that the seriousness of any offences and the densification of the moni- committed is not underestimated. toring networks; Management and control plans ⊲ the acknowledgement of MPAs should be based on the concept of objectives in land-based policies and active marine surveillance, with the actions (in particular with regard to extensive use of new technologies water), through reciprocal sharehold- and pooled resources and the use of ing between governing authorities, the coast guard frequencies. the mobilisation of impact assess- ment tools and the improvement of the capacity of MPAs to propose regulations; ⊲ the development of technical exchanges between MPAs and con- MPA control plan tractors, the contribution of MPAs to The establishment and the pollution response mechanisms, the surveillance of marine protected areas are key objectives of maritime mobilisation of financial incentive policy. A control plan for marine tools whenever possible, engage- protected areas will determine ment in legal proceedings; control guidelines according to ⊲ the development of actions by the the MPA category, as defined in article L.334-1 of the Environment French Coastal Protection Agency Code; priority status of the area; to protect wetlands or zones that and the type of policy (public lie upstream of sensitive sea areas. domain, protected habitats and More generally, the Conservatoire du species, etc.). It will also define the littoral's own strategy greatly con- reporting objectives. tributes to land-sea coherence.

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Formalise Area 8 Area 9 a methodology Monitor and assess Estimate financial costs for the creation management outcomes and concerted According to one estimation, for a management of The political, human and financial network covering 20% of French wa- each type of marine stakes related to the development ters, the running costs will amount protected area to around €170 M by 2020. of marine protected areas call for an The document entitled assessment, on two levels, of the ef- Based on current financing principles Méthodologie pour la fects of the measures implemented for MPAs, the majority of this sum création et la gestion and of the degree to which the ex- will be financed by the Government concertée d’une aire pected results are achieved. (around €110 M), which brings us marine protégée (methodology for the For each individual MPA, the elabora- to reflect on possible innovative fi- creation and concerted tion of the management plan and the nancing mechanisms: taxation of management of a action plan must be accompanied by activities that affect the sea or coast, marine protected area) the definition of specific objectives, earmarking of charges levied for the sets a benchmark for occupation of the public domain. future work, in particular the elaboration of indicators and the regarding the procedure implementation of monitoring. For The question of funding also calls for for associating with the network as a whole, ecological the development of a methodology stakeholders at all stages coherence and the contribution of for the quantification of services of the project. It covers public policy to land-sea integration rendered by the marine protected all of the successive stages in the creation need to be assessed at the ecoregion- areas, including from a socio-economic and management of an al or even national level. standpoint. MPA (according to the These two approaches (assessment different categories). of the results of each individual MPA Breakdown of the estimated annual cost It focuses particularly of the marine area network (20% by 2020) on the question of and the network as a whole) are governance and complementary and fall within the dialogue through framework of a MPAs management Estimated the various stages: annual cost (€ M) chart. This assessment mechanism, assessing the worth of which is specific to MPAs, should Surveillance a project, making a joint assessment, defining the be seen in the wider context of ma- (monitoring and 70.3 control) MPA project (objectives, rine environment monitoring and perimeter, governance), assessment tools (Marine Strategy Studies, expert determining action assessments 37.6 Framework Directive, national ob- plans which define the implementation servatory for the sea and coast, Interventions 36.3 procedures of the national dashboard for French seas). management plan over Awareness a shorter period of time. raising 25.8

TOTAL 170 Further information: www.developpement- durable.gouv.fr "Salle de lecture" section, brochure entitled Guide méthodologique pour la création et la gestion concertée d’une aire marine protégée (Methodological guide for the creation and concerted management of a marine protected area)

17 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION PER GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

High seas and international waters ⊲ Support the development of high sea MPAs: ⊲ by taking into account the ecological and biological criteria of the CBD (EBSA criteria - ecologically and biologically significant areas) as well as the various uses; ⊲ by encouraging cooperation between the regional seas conventions and sectoral bodies (fishing, seabed, merchant shipping). ⊲ Continue to promote France's Natural Marine Heritage (UNESCO). ⊲ Increase France's participation in international technical networks. ⊲ Regional cooperation: develop supplementary programmes and partnerships with the UNEP and the regional seas conventions.

Pacific Ocean ⊲ Taking into consideration - protection, development and culture - to support the efforts of local authorities to create or to introduce management measures for protected or managed marine areas, in particular: ⊲  introduce management measures for the Coral sea in New Caledonia; ⊲ create MPAs around the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. ⊲ Support local authorities in the following processes related to UNESCO World Heritage: ⊲ maintaining the serial inscription of New Caledonia; ⊲ the inscription of the maritime component of the Marquesas Islands. ⊲ Support or finalise the establishment of tools for the coordination and integration of nature management policies (Conservatoire des espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie and the Conservatoire polynésien des espaces gérés - New Caledonian and Polynesian conservation authorities). ⊲ Strengthen management capacity and improve management tools in the existing MPAs and marine mammal sanctuaries. ⊲ Develop regional cooperation with an aim to maximise the overall ecological coherence of local policies.

Jurisdiction In French Polynesia and New Caledonia, jurisdiction on environmental issues and resource management is assigned to the local authorities.

Indian Ocean ⊲ Strengthen regional integration into the existing regional seas conventions in order to improve the coherence of the MPAs network in the area. ⊲ Manage the Mayotte Marine Nature Park. ⊲ Continue managing the Mayotte and Les Glorieuses Marine Nature Parks while ensuring harmony between the strategies of the two parks. ⊲ Create a National Natural Reserve around Europa Island and study the possibility of extending the network to cover the Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean. ⊲ Implement and pool surveillance methods in the area.

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Arctic Ocean

Mainland France Pacific Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon Ocean

French Antilles (Guadeloupe and Martinique) French Clipperton Guiana

Tromelin Wallis-et-Futuna Réunion Atlantic Indian Ocean Mayotte and Ocean New Caledonia Îles Éparses French Saint-Paul Polynesia and Amsterdam Kerguelen Crozet

Southern Ocean Water under French jurisdiction Water under another state's jurisdiction International waters

French Antilles and French Guiana ⊲ Study the possible creation of a Marine Nature Park in Martinique. ⊲ Further regional cooperation, in close collaboration with the SPAW-RAC, particularly in the area of marine mammal conservation around the Agoa sanctuary and its management, undertake sub-regional strategic regional analyses, particularly in islands in the north. ⊲ Encourage managers to network and encourage technical exchanges. ⊲ Build upon the conclusions of the regional strategic analysis in Guiana.

Southern Ocean ⊲ Contribute to the efforts of the CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) which aims to develop marine protected areas on the basis of the French scientific eco-regionalisation programme initiated in sub-Antarctic waters and the D'Urville Sea.

19 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary

English Channel and the Atlantic ⊲ Contribute to the introduction of effective management measures for offshore MPAs established by the OSPAR Convention and take part in managing the Charlie-Gibbs MPA. ⊲ Extend the network and put management measures in place in the existing MPAs to take issues into account that are not yet satisfactorily addressed (plateau and submarine wall in the Bay of Biscay, OSPAR species and habitats, functional areas for fish species and migrating species). ⊲ Marine nature parks: ⊲ continue managing the Iroise marine nature park; ⊲ continue implementing management measures for the 'Estuaires picards et mer d’Opale' marine nature park; ⊲ introduce management measures for the Arcachon marine nature park; ⊲ begin management of the Gironde Estuary and Pertuis Sea marine nature park; ⊲ complete the study mission of the Normano-Breton Gulf marine nature park; ⊲  commence studies for a marine nature park in the Mor Braz area, in accordance with the findings of the strategic regional analysis for Southern Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. ⊲ Work to set up network of managers, following in the footsteps of marine protected areas in the Atlantic arc ("Marine Protected Areas in the Atlantic Arc - MAIA") and the Channel ("Protected Area Network Across the Chanel Ecosystem - PANACHE"). ⊲ Carry out a regional strategic analysis of southern Aquitaine in conjunction with the Spanish authorities.

Mediterranean ⊲ Manage the Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Park and develop transboundary cooperation with Spain. ⊲ Manage the Calanques National Park. ⊲ Complete the survey mission for the creation of a marine nature park around Cap Corse. ⊲ Contribute to multilateral efforts to protect and manage the Mediterranean canyons through actions aimed at gaining knowledge; the establishment of specially protected areas of European interest off the Gulf of Lion; ensuring the coherence of the different tools (Natura 2000, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean); and taking into consideration other issues related to the completion of the offshore Natura 2000 network (marine birds and mammals). ⊲ Implement the PSSA (particularly sensitive sea area) approach in the Strait of Bonifacio and jointly manage the international marine park with Italy.

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy MPA in October 2015 Priorities for short-term action French maritime boundaries

Marine Nature Park Marine Nature Park Boundary of territorial waters Existing Marine Nature Park Study surface area Boundary of waters under French Study proposed jurisdiction Other categories of MPA Other categories of MPA 0 100 kilometres National Park Stronger protection tool to be 0 100 nautical miles Natural Reserve created (extension, creation) Natura 2000 site Projects for new Natura Maritime public domain 2000 sites (indicative location) (CELRL) Biotope Protection Area

21 French Strategy for the creation and management of marine protected areas summary GLOSSARY

⊲ ISA: International Seabed the Mediterranean (1976), Authority Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living ⊲ MPA: Marine Protected Area Resources (1980), Cartagena ⊲ CAR-SPAW: Regional activity Convention for the Caribbean centre for specially protected (1983), Nairobi Convention areas and wildlife in the for the Indian Ocean (1985), Caribbean Nouméa (1986) and Apia (1993) Conventions for the South Pacific ⊲ CCAMLR: Commission on and the OSPAR Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic the North Atlantic (1998). Marine Living Resources ⊲ MSFD: Marine Strategy ⊲ CBD: Convention on Framework Directive. Published Biological Diversity on 25 June 2008, this directive ⊲ GFCM: General Fisheries is the environmental pillar Commission for the of the European Union's Mediterranean integrated maritime policy. The MSFD develops an ecosystem- ⊲ Connectivity: ecological based approach to the marine connectivity, as opposed to environment that is linked to fragmentation, characterises the Fauna and Flora Habitat an ecosystem in which the Directive, the Birds Directive and individuals of the various the Water Framework Directive. species can easily move It aims to maintain or re- between the different sites establish the proper functioning corresponding to their different of marine ecosystems whilst at stages of development. A MPAs the same time ensuring that network is well-connected if it future generations will be able preserves this characteristic. to use the sea in a way that is compatible with sustainable ⊲ Regional Seas Conventions: development. In France, the the Regional Seas Programme, Directive has been transposed initiated by the United Nations into the Environment Code Environment Programme (articles L. 219-9 to L. 219-18 (UNEP) in 1974, covers eighteen and R. 219-2 to R. 219-17) of the world's marine regions. and applies to mainland areas Fourteen regional seas are the under French sovereignty or subject of conventions which jurisdiction. The latter are express the commitment and divided into four marine sub- the political will of the riparian regions: English Channel - North states, through coordinated Sea, Celtic Seas, Bay of Biscay initiatives, to meet the and Western Mediterranean. shared challenges of marine ⊲ EBSA: Ecologically and management and preservation. biologically significant areas France is a contracting party to the following conventions: ⊲ MAIA: Marine Protected Barcelona Convention for Areas in the Atlantic Arc

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy ⊲ IMO: International Maritime development project. This Organisation integrated maritime policy, Further applying to both mainland information: ⊲ OSPAR: Oslo-Paris Convention France and its overseas The full text of the for the Protection of the Marine strategy, entitled territories, must also take land- Environment of the North-East Stratégie nationale pour based anthropogenic activities la création et la gestion Atlantic into consideration (agriculture, des aires marines protégées (French ⊲ Integrated maritime policy: industries, demographic strategy for the creation maritime and coastal areas are pressure, etc.) which are the and management of home to a variety of human most significant contributors to marine protected areas), is available at www. activities such as maritime marine pollution. developpement- transport, the production durable.gouv.fr in ⊲ UNEP: United Nations of renewable energy, the the "Salle de lecture" Environment Programme section extraction of raw materials, fishing and aquaculture, water ⊲ SAGE: Development and Marine Strategy sports and tourism. These Water Management Plan Framework Directive (MSFD): activities exert pressure on ⊲ SCAP: strategy for the www.developpement- the marine environment in a durable.gouv.fr creation of protected areas number of ways: overfishing section "Salle de (this strategy concerns land lecture", brochure of certain species, destruction areas) entitled Towards of coastal natural habitats, oil good environmental spills, illegal oil discharges, etc. ⊲ SMVM: marine development status in the marine environment in 2020. The integrated management plan of these activities involves ⊲ EEZ: exclusive economic zone taking into consideration the different uses of the ⊲ PSSA: particularly sensitive both fragile and sought after sea area marine and coastal areas as part of a global approach. This process aims to bring together stakeholders with often very different interests, to take part in a common sustainable

Editorial project manager: O. Brosseau/METLR-MEDDE - Graphic design and production: S. Galland/METLR-MEDDE - Copy desk: I. Flegeo/METLR-MEDDE Photo credits > Cover: images courtesy of Fotolia (Antonio, R. Heim, blende64, R. Carey, Lilithlita, Tilio&Paolo) p. 2 and 3 (from left to right and from top to bottom): B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency, L. Mignaux/METLR-MEDDE, B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency, A. Bouissou/ METLR-MEDDE, O. Brosseau/Marine Protected Areas Agency, F. Boileau/Marine Protected Areas Agency, A. Gigou/Marine Protected Areas Agency, L. Aboutoihi/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 4 (from top to bottom): E. Rivas/Marine Protected Areas Agency, A. Gigou p. 6: E. Rivas p. 11 (from left to right and from top to bottom): R. Guézel/Marine Protected Areas Agency, V. Maran, F. Boileau/Marine Protected Areas Agency, A. Gigou (x2) p. 12: B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 13: E. Rivas p. 14: Y. Gladu/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 15: B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 16: A. Garreau/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 17: Y. Turpin/Marine Protected Areas Agency p. 18 (from top to bottom): M. Buanic/Marine Protected Areas Agency, B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency (x2) p. 19 (from top to bottom): B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency, E. Amice/CNRS Photothèque-LEMAR p. 20 (from top to bottom): Y. Turpin/Marine Protected Areas Agency, E. Rivas p. 22 (from top to bottom): B. Daniel/Marine Protected Areas Agency, M. Brichet/Marine Protected Areas Agency, B. Ferrari Cartographical data sources (maps produced by the Marine Protected Areas Agency) > p.9 and 19 Zoning of seas and oceans: IHO, nc - French maritime boundaries: VLIZ, 2010 ; AAMP/SHOM/IGN, 2013 - Remarkable geographical parallels: AAMP, 2010- Coordinate Systems: Sphere_Gall_ Stereographic p. 21 Marine Protected Areas: AAMP, 10/2015 - French maritime boundaries: SHOM, 2011 - European State and main French rivers: ESRI – Coordinate Systems: Lambert 93 / RGF93 / IAG GRS 1980 Ref. DICOM-DGALN/BRO/13148-2-GB - November 2015 Printing: METLR-MEDDE/SG/SPSSI /ATL2 - Printed on certified European ecolabel paper

23 Ministère de l’Écologie, du Développement durable et de l’Énergie Direction générale de l’Aménagement, du Logement et de la Nature

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