Monitoring and evaluation of a Spatially Managed Area in the Case Study No 11, following the MESMA framework: Step 1 - Context Setting

ATLAS work package 6 presentation at ATLAS 3rd General Assembly IEO-Vigo leads the Case Study No 11, which includes the oceanic bank Flemish Cap and the adjacent area of the Flemish Pass, an important fishing ground for the European freezer fleet, located in the high seas (areas beyond national jurisdictions), in deep waters of the Northwest Atlantic. The first step of a theoretical marine plan for a spatially managed area (SMA) in the Flemish Cap - Flemish Pass, has been completed. We followed the “MESMA Framework” as a practical guide to set the spatial and temporal context for the evaluation and to define the operational objectives (Step 1: Context Setting). Firstly, we defined and analyzed the existing conditions in the area, identifying the main existing human uses of the marine space (fishing, shipping, submarine cables, ecosystem & fisheries research, conservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems) and the main Blue Economy/Blue Growth opportunities (e.g. oil & gas, biotechnology), as well as the stakeholders involved. Moreover, the institutional landscape and the existing management plans were evaluated, defining the spatial boundaries of a SMA within the Case Study, coinciding with the limits of the EBSA, previously identified by the CBD. Finally, the operational objectives for the spatial management were selected and assessed, and an inventory of key information needed was prepared. We expect to complete the next “MESMA” steps along the next months. Although this is a purely theoretical exercise with no legal value, it is expected to be useful to know if there is enough data available for the spatial management, identifying the essential information and gaps, and exploring risk assessment methods for the emerging activities. The final goal of this exercise will be to advise on potential Blue Economy/Blue Growth scenarios in the Case Study Area