A new European study warns that closing sea areas to fishing will not be effective unless accompanied by other regulations.
The SEAwise project, involving 24 research bodies, says Europe’s goal of protecting 30% of its waters by 2030 is at risk unless managers change course.
Closures Alone Not Enough
Researchers have found that area bans often fail because fishing activity relocates to other areas. This can harm stocks and habitats outside the closed zones. The study argues that closures must be combined with catch limits, gear rules, and direct effort controls.
Climate Change Adds Pressure
The report also highlights how warming seas may reduce the benefits of existing marine protected areas. Fish are shifting their ranges, and invasive species are expanding their presence. Managers may need flexible, even real-time closures, to keep up with change.
Focus on Habitats
SEAwise points to restoring key fish habitats, such as nurseries, as a tool as powerful as regulating fishing pressure. It also calls for stronger governance to win trust among fishers, who often resist new restrictions.
The findings carry weight as EU nations race to meet biodiversity goals. With only 0.2% of EU waters strictly protected today, and most current MPAs judged weak, SEAwise says bold, evidence-based action is vital.