To address the use of marine spatial planning in general, and marine protected areas (MPAs) in particular, as tools in ecosystem conservation and fisheries management in a Nordic context, an ad hoc working group - the 'Nordic Forum on MPAs in Marine Spatial Planning' - of researchers, managers and representatives from different marine sectors was established in 2006 through support from the Nordic Council of Ministers (Strategy on Environment and Fisheries, MiFi).
The purpose of the working group is to integrate, synthesise and disseminate knowledge from recent and developing Nordic activities, taking into account international experiences.
There is a need for synergy between these activities, and this can be accomplished through the coordination, integration and synthesis of research and management developments in a regional forum that will deliver results that add value to and fill gaps between existing projects and frameworks related to marine protected areas.
Recommendations from the group are expected to facilitate Nordic priority setting in MPA research, planning and policy development and guide the development of future regional initiatives. Target audiences include the Nordic Council of Ministers, HELCOM, OSPAR, EU, government agencies, NGOs, research institutes, industries, and other relevant fora.
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