Integrating Conservation and Development at the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades, Greece: Perception and Practice

Abstract

Available information on the socioeconomic implications of marine protected areas (MPAs) for the socioculturally diverse Mediterranean region is scant. The National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS), Greece was established in 1992 as a foundation for the conservation of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. The evolution of the degree of acceptance of and satisfaction from the NMPANS by involved stakeholder groups (fishermen, tourism operators, hoteliers and owners of rooms to let, governmental bodies, nongovernmental bodies, students, domestic and foreign tourists) were investigated 13 years after its establishment using written questionnaires delivered during personal interviews. The initial positive attitude of local professionals for the NMPANS has eroded due to the unsatisfactory fulfillment of expectations for socioeconomic development. Fishermen expressed dissatisfaction with, mistrust toward, and a reluctancy to communicate with the NMPANS's management body. They believe that the fishery areas have decreased in actual geographic area because of the prohibitive measures; fish stocks are declining; compensation for damage to fishery equipment by the Mediterranean monk seal and for the prohibitive measures should be provided; and stricter enforcement of regulations should take place. On the other hand, tourism operators, who organize trips for tourists to the NMPANS, unanimously reported direct economic benefits. Furthermore, there was a disparity in the perception of socioeconomic benefits derived from the NMPANS between governmental bodies and local stakeholders. The governmental bodies and the nongovernmental organization MOm-Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal postulated that there had been considerable socioeconomic benefits for the local community of Alonissos due to the establishment of the NMPANS, whereas the local nongovernmental organization Ecological and Cultural Movement of Alonissos claimed benefits were scant. Tourists (domestic and foreign) believe that the NMPANS is not the main attraction to Alonissos Island but is part of a composite, including serenity, aesthetic beauty, and small-scale tourism development, which can turn Alonissos Island into an ideal eco-tourism destination; a common aspiration for both the tourists and the local community by general consensus. The aim of the NMPANS to integrate conservation and development lies in (1) the effectiveness of the NMPANS management body in formulating a strategic management plan that would accommodate stakeholders' interests and aspirations and (2) a national policy of conservation and enhancement of natural resources with consistency and continuity. Quantitative assessment of the socioeconomic effectiveness of the Mediterranean MPAs using a common methodology would facilitate the identification of intraregional variation and better planning for the network of MPAs in the Mediterranean.

An overview of commercial fishers’ attitudes towards marine protected areas

“…Three articles also reported on fishers' perceptions of costs and benefits of MPAs (Gelcich et al, 2005(Gelcich et al, , 2009McClanahan et al, 2008). Five articles reported information on fishers' attitudes regarding empowerment and participation in the management and decision-making processes (Suman et al, 1999;Himes, 2003;Stump & Kriwoken, 2006;Oikonomou & Dikou, 2008;Gelcich et al, 2009). Three studies reported on fishers' perceptions regarding conflicts between different resource-users (Blyth et al, 2002;Dimech et al, 2009;Suuronen et al, 2010).…”

“…Information on this topic was collected in 14 out of the 16 studies, and the studies assessed fishers' perceptions on a wide array of issues related to governance. Ten articles reported on fishers' attitudes, perceptions or opinions regarding MPAs as management tools (Blyth et al, 2002;Mangi & Austen, 2008) and on the acceptance and effectiveness of these management measures (Suman et al, 1999;Himes, 2003;Gelcich et al, 2005;McClanahan et al, 2005McClanahan et al, , 2008Jones, 2008;Oikonomou & Dikou, 2008;Suuronen et al, 2010). Three articles also reported on fishers' perceptions of costs and benefits of MPAs (Gelcich et al, 2005(Gelcich et al, , 2009McClanahan et al, 2008).…”

“…And finally, eight articles reported on fishers' opinions concerning issues of compliance with, and enforcement of, rules and regulations (Blyth et al, 2002;Himes, 2003;Stump & Kriwoken, 2006;Jiménez-Badillo, 2008;Jones, 2008;Dimech et al, 2009;Gelcich et al, 2009;Suuronen et al, 2010). Marine protected areas implemented for fishery management purposes (fishery MPAs) were generally accepted by fishers as effective and beneficial management tools (Suman et al, 1999;Himes, 2003;Gelcich et al, 2005;McClanahan et al, 2005;Jones, 2008;Dimech et al, 2009;Suuronen et al, 2010), while MPAs implemented for conservation purposes (conservation MPAs) were perceived less favourably (Suman et al, 1999;Himes, 2003;Tonder & Jurvelius, 2004;McClanahan et al, 2005McClanahan et al, , 2008Jones, 2008;Oikonomou & Dikou, 2008;Gelcich et al, 2009).…”

“…Participation in the management and decisionmaking processes was generally regarded as deficient (Suman et al, 1999;Himes, 2003;Stump & Kriwoken, 2006;Oikonomou & Dikou, 2008) and fishers who already were involved in the management process sought further empowerment (Gelcich et al, 2009). Suman et al (1999) noticed that US fishers from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) displayed a high degree of alienation from the public process.…”

Genetic structure of three marine fishes from the Gulf of Pagasitikos (Greece) based on allozymes, RAPD, and mtDNA RFLP markers

“…The location ALO is within the National Marine Park of Alonnisos North Sporades (NMPANS), established 14 years ago for the protection of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. Within NM-PANS the controlled use of resources is permitted and fishermen express strong dissatisfaction since fishing grounds have shrunk due to containment measures (Oikonomou & Dikou, 2008). Illegal fishing is considered quite extended (Table 1).…”