Successfully establishing a marine protected area involves a multi-stage process which consists of two distinct phases:

The first is the planning phase. It starts with a rough outline of the area to be protected (planning area) and a definition of the objectives. During this phase, all stakeholder groups share their aims, claims and expectations and set joint conservation targets.
The next step is to identify an area of the sea in which the conservation objectives can be achieved through joint action. A detailed survey of the planning area is therefore carried out in order to document aspects such as the distribution of the species and ecosystems to be protected. Individual distribution maps are produced for all the collected data and indicators. In many cases, modelling is also used to assist the experts to produce a full site analysis based on the individual observations.
After that, the numerous maps are superimposed on one another and analysed with the aid of specialist software in order to identify the best location for the future protected area. This includes determining the position and size that would enable the conservation objectives to be fulfilled to the greatest possible extent while minimizing impacts on other forms of use such as fishing.
In addition, on the basis of the research results, various indicators and their baseline values are determined so that performance monitoring can be carried out at a later stage. The performance indicators generally include variables such as biomass and population size of specific target species, or population density on the sea floor. The stakeholders then draw up a joint catalogue of measures, including protection regimes and, if appropriate, a list of sanctions, solutions to potential economic and social conflicts, and proposals for funding, control and monitoring of all the various measures.
Once the marine protected area has been designated and all the regulations have been implemented, the second phase – namely evaluation – then follows. During this phase, experts regularly review the key indicators both within the protected area and outside and compare the trajectories (baseline condition) with the conservation objectives (target state).
If they identify any negative trends, it may be necessary to adjust the management plan or, in some circumstances, the position of the protected area accordingly.

fig. 7.15 > A protective effect is achieved solely in areas where conservation measures are implemented, evaluated and modified if necessary.