Contribution of Marine Protected Areas in Fisheries Governance in South Mediterranean

Abstract

When studying fishing activities in south Mediterranean, particularly in Algeria, we face the 
particular case of coastal territory. The high dependence of human activities on marine territo
ries and their resources is always related to the high level of conflicts, between fishing actors 
and other stakeholders, generated by some conservation projects. The aim of this paper is to 
highlight and illustrate the approach of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) governance and their 
role in conserving biodiversity, in order to clarify their economic, social and environmental 
impacts on human activities such as fishing. This paper defends the flowing thesis: in the long 
term, protection could reduce conflicts, contribute to sustainable management of fisheries and 
improve the welfare of fishers’ community.