>University of York Press Release: “Costs of a worldwide system of marine parks

A global network of marine parks would cost US$12 to 14 billion per year to run says a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, co-authored by Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York’s Environment Department.

The global oceans today are in their worst state in the history of humanity. Fisheries are in steep decline, rates of habitat loss now equal or exceed that of the rainforests, and fish stocks have fallen to 10 per cent or less of their numbers at the onset of commercial fishing. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, coastal nations pledged to turn the tide on this decline by creating national networks of marine parks by 2012. But until now, it has been unclear how much it will cost countries to deliver on their promises.

To restore marine ecosystems and rebuild fish stocks, the World Parks Congress in Durban in 2003 recommended that at least 20 to 30 per cent of every marine habitat should be protected from all fishing. ‘Meeting this commitment to marine protection will require international effort on an unprecedented scale,’ said Andrew Balmford, lead author of the study, ‘Just half a percent of the sea lies within marine parks today, compared to 12 per cent of the land.’

Balmford and colleagues surveyed the running costs of 83 well-managed marine parks worldwide. Annual spending varied enormously, from a few 10s of US dollars to US$28 million per square kilometre per year. ‘Costs were higher for parks that were smaller, closer to coasts, and in high-cost, developed countries,’ said Pippa Gravestock, co-author of the study. ‘However, parks surveyed said their present income only accounted for half the amount needed to achieve ideal management standards.’

Taking into account the present income shortfall, the study estimated the running costs of a global system of marine parks that would protect 20 to 30 per”