Analysis of marine protected area management: The Marine Park of the Azores (Portugal)

A significant number of declared marine protected areas (MPAs) lack management plans, or they are not being applied appropriately, leading to poor management and, in the worst case scenario, so-called "paper parks". Evaluating the management of an MPA helps detect strengths and weaknesses, make decisions and correct mistakes in the future. Unfortunately, few evaluations have been done. In recent decades, management has gone from a traditional governance system to a more inclusive and participatory one that seeks to understand and integrate the interests and needs of all parties. Social actors are participating more actively in decision-making, and their support is fundamental for the success of an MPA. This study analyses the management of the Marine Park of the Azores (Portugal), one of the most emblematic areas of the European Union (EU). For this purpose, a methodology has been developed to evaluate the management of MPAs. It is based on the analysis of four key aspects: managing body, planning, public participation and implementation. For each one, specific indicators have been designed, resulting in five possible scenarios being proposed where priority is given to one or other factors, where each one has consequences on the biophysical and socioeconomic systems of the MPA. These scenarios are defined as: proactive, consultative, centralized, by learning and formal management. The results demonstrate that the Marine Park of the Azores is currently under centralized management, with a sound management body, but yet should be consolidates the process of planning and public participation.