One of the main challenges that MPAs face in Macaronesia is their remote location, which hinders the collection of consistent data, and the enforcement against threats such as illegal fishing. The majority of existing MPAs have outdated management plans and follow a top-down management approach, with few cases of co-management in practice.
The possibility of creating a marine corridor between the archipelagos in the region has been widely discussed, but data on migratory species and dispersal models are still needed to support the creation of high sea protected areas.
The next steps of the Macaronesia LSWG will be to:
(1) establish three working groups focused on management plans, connectivity and co-management,
(2) hold bi-annual meetings to monitor progress on actions,
(3) strengthen stakeholder dialogue,
(4) develop collaborative research to reduce data gaps.
The meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the use of data-driven approaches to strengthen the protection of Macaronesia’s marine ecosystems.
