Chapter 2: State of the Environment and Policy Response
et al. 2011) and a regional network of 12 representative MPAs covering more than 11 000 square kilometres has been recognised in the Red Sea (Goldstone et al. 2003). Limited technical capacity and lack of comprehensive management plans for most of these MPAs are the main constraints in the region.
Fisheries management
Fisheries regulations in the West Asia region include banning of trawling, monitoring fishing gear specifications and banning fishing in specific areas in specific seasons. However, the enforcement of management regulations is limited. There are also limitations in the underlying fisheries legislation, which is often designed as a basis for the administration of fisheries rather than a reflection of an explicitly stated policy framework for the long-term management of the sector.
Given the multitude of threats to fish populations and declining trends in abundance, measures to manage fisheries in the West Asia region are needed. These may include setting up networks of effectively managed MPAs to fulfil their potential to achieve a combination of fisheries, biodiversity conservation and socio-economic objectives. Fish-stock assessment studies are required to define the targets for fisheries management. By-catch and discards also need to be addressed. Establishment of integrated monitoring programmes in the ROPME Sea Area and the Red Sea, and the application of the precautionary approach to the management of fisheries resources can contribute to the efforts of marine conservation. Regional-level strategies are required to manage highly migratory species.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism can provide local economic benefits while maintaining ecosystem integrity. The West Asia region has witnessed several initiatives to promote ecotourism programmes, particularly in the Red Sea. The Aqaba Ecotourism Development Plan (2014) is a major initiative aiming at promoting biodiversity-friendly investment and development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone( UNDP 2014).
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Valuation of ecosystems services
Valuation of ecosystem services is an essential effort in protecting biodiversity and promoting the conservation of coastal and marine environments among all stakeholders. The economic value of ecosystem services provided by the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coral reefs is estimated to be around USD7 000 per square kilometre (Hoagland et al. 2013). The contribution of biological processes to carbon sequestration has been found to range between EUR100 million and EUR1 500 million per year for the Mediterranean Sea (Canu at el. 2015). The economic loss of not effectively protecting wetlands in the West Asia region by 2050 is estimated at USD2.3–7.2 billion (Eppink et al. 2014).
Capacity Building
Building capacity towards scientific research in the field of environment and conservation biology is important in order to effectively conserve and manage marine ecosystems. There is therefore a need for improvement in the number and quality of programmes related to marine sciences in higher education.
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