Conservation of Marine Habitats Under Multiple Human Uses: Methods, Objectives, and Constraints to Optimize a Marine Protected Areas Network in the Eastern English Channel

The thesis focused on optimizing a Marine Protected Areas (MPA) network in the Eastern English Channel (EEC) to balance human activities and conservation objectives. It highlighted the importance of representing the entire biodiversity of the EEC, including both benthic and pelagic habitats. The study compared conservation planning software, Marxan and Zonation, concluding that Marxan was more suitable for designing a coherent MPA network. A gap analysis revealed that the existing MPA network covered 33% of the EEC but lacked comprehensive management plans. The research also integrated human activity data, such as fishing and maritime traffic, to address spatial constraints. The findings aimed to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and enhance conservation efforts in European waters.