OSPAR/NEAFC special request on existing and potential new management measures for ecologically and biologically significant areas (EBSAs)

ICES provides a summary of management measures already implemented within ecologically and biologically significant areas (EBSAs). ICES notes that there are numerous measures already in place by both NEAFC and by OSPAR (as requests to Contracting Parties) and by other competent management authorities, and that both generic and targeted management measures may offer protection to the features that would qualify as meeting EBSA criteria. The performance of these measures has not been evaluated and it was not possible to assess whether these measures are sufficient to protect all of the features that would qualify under EBSA criteria from all potential threats, or whether further measures are required. ICES notes that some specific areas may need further protective measures.