A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE OBJECTIVES OF MARINE NATURE-RESERVES

This paper reviews and analyses the objectives of Marine Nature Reserves (MNR) against a background of growing calls for further designations. On the basis of a review of 11 papers, 15 objectives are identified: six scientific, five economic, three cultural and one ethical. There is little consensus, and no one objective is cited by all authors. Each objective is discussed and all are found to have a valid role in marine conservation, and to be achievable by MNR designation. Only four of the objectives, of indirect relevance to marine conservation, could be better met by alternative site designations or general measures. The objectives of Marine Protected Areas, which subsume rather than replace MNRs, are found to provide a reasonable consensus, although the need for an additional objective is argued. It is concluded that MNRs are a necessary and integral part of wider Coastal Zone Management (CZM) policies, though they are only effective if their objectives are not compromised during the formulation and implementation of appropriate management plans.