Analyzing anthropogenic influence on the German marine protected areas (MPA)

Although almost half of the marine area in the German Exclusive Economic Zone is classified as marine protected areas, Germany does not meet the EU requirements for good marine status in the marine area. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to investigate the anthropogenic influences on the German marine protected areas in terms of cumulative influence and the most important individual influences. The hypotheses that there is a negative correlation between the intensity of the anthropogenic influence and the biodiversity and that the protected areas have a higher overall biodiversity than the rest of the marine areas are examined. In addition, the hypothesis that the intensity of anthropogenic influence is negatively correlated with the size and management categories of the protected areas is tested. The results are presented in tables and maps. Then, considering the Ecosystem Based Management approach, possible management measures for the protected areas are derived based on the predominant individual influences. The second part of the thesis deals with the environmental regulations for marine protected areas on national and international level. In particular, the history of ideas and implementation to date of the ecosystem approach will be examined. The question will be answered, which legal adjustments might be available on the national level to improve the level of protection of marine protected areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone and to enable an effective protection of the oceans and which obstacles exist.