Examining the discrepancy and synergy between marine protected areas and fisheries management in the Bohai Sea, China

Marine protected areas (MPAs) and other area-based conservation measures used in conjunction with climate-smart fisheries management approaches are important for safeguarding ecosystem and fish population health. However, spatial management approaches are often implemented separately from non-spatial management interventions due to their distinct legislative processes, management priorities, and administrating agencies. As global ocean governance becomes increasingly spatial in compliance with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, it is imperative to examine the utility of MPAs as a wider ecosystem approach to complement traditional, single species fisheries management. In this study, we examine current policy and management transformations happening in the Bohai Sea in China and demonstrate the discrepancies and synergies between MPA governance and fisheries management. By evaluating their interactions in objective setting, area selection, and management regulations, we reveal the gaps in coordination and consultancy between the government agencies implementing fisheries and spatial conservation measures. In particular, there is ambiguity or lack of consideration of fisheries management objectives in the framing of conservation area objectives and regulations, and vice versa. In addition, the mismatch between stated objectives of MPAs and their geographic coverage of species distribution ranges suggests insufficient incorporation of fishery expertise in conservation planning. To strengthen the cooperation between fisheries and conservation authorities, we identify opportunities and actions for synergizing management goals and ecosystem-based approaches, improving the design of spatial restrictions, and better integrating spatial management interventions as a critical fisheries and ecosystem-based management approach. These proposed changes will necessitate the creation of processes for engaging the full spectrum of expertise and actors, enhancing collaborations at multiple scales and between different sectors. These findings offer practical insights into bridging the gap between fisheries management and MPAs and could inform further decisions on integrated management in the Bohai Sea and elsewhere.