A policy-based framework for the determination of management options to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems under the EU deep-sea access regulations

Abstract Vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) are particularly susceptible to bottom-fishing activity as they easily disturbed and slow recover. A data-driven approach was developed provide management options for the protection of VMEs under European Union “deep-sea access regulations.” total two within scenarios were developed. The first scenario defined VME closure areas without consideration fishing activity. Option 1 proposed closures habitats likely habitat, while 2 also included where four types geophysical elements present. second additionally considered fishing. This used biomass—fishing intensity relationships identify a threshold effort mobile bottom-contact gears low unlikely have caused significant adverse impacts. Achieving high level requires creation many (> 100), made up small (∼50 km2) fewer larger 1000 km2). greatest will affect approximately 9% fleet effort, that avoid highly fished reduce this around 4–6%. framework allows managers choose risk-aversion wish apply in protecting by comparing alternative strategies.