Advancing Marine Protection Through Remote Sensing: Supporting Biodiversity Goals

Abstract

Achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of the marine environment by 2020 was an objective of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). However, recent research has revealed that biodiversity degradation remains more evident than recovery. Marine protected areas (MPAs) represent one of the important tools for biodiversity conservation within both European and global conservation strategies. Goals for the protection of marine areas have been set at the global level, with different progress among countries in achieving them. The implementation of these goals requires more effective mechanisms for identifying, mapping, and managing protected areas, which highlights the need for integrating technological solutions. Remote sensing (RS) offers a range of technological solutions for environmental monitoring, habitat mapping, change detection, and support for spatial planning in marine protected areas. This paper reviews the recent relevant scientific literature focused on the application of RS technologies in the context of marine protected areas. The thematic analysis reveals several dominant research directions, with a particular emphasis on the growing presence of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological data, geospatial analytics, and management policies. This interdisciplinary approach, utilising new technologies, can contribute to the development of more effective marine protected area management strategies and, consequently, to achieving the set targets.