Marine Protected Areas as Spatial Protection Measures under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

This chapter discusses the requirements of spatial protection measures and their relevance with respect to the goals of the marine strategy framework directive (MSFD). The MSFD pays particular attention to spatial protection measures, as it contains specific provisions about the possible types and criteria for networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The huge achievement of the MSFD, including with respect to networks of MPAs, is its integrative approach. Maritime spatial planning instruments may play an important role as spatial protection measures. The European Union (EU) recently introduced a Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). MPA networks must contribute to Good Environmental Status (GES) taking account of the ecosystem approach, and the spatial protection measures taken shall give due consideration to sustainable development including social and economic impacts. These requirements for the network necessitate the integration of measures which go beyond Natura 2000 in several respects.