A functional and integrated approach of methods for the management of protected marine areas in the Mexican Coastal Zone

The management of the Marine Protected Areas in the Coastal Zone (MPACZ) is an endeavor that requires a comprehensive approach. Given the complexity of these areas, their management calls for the integration of methodologies directed to achieve their conservation. We examine several of the methodologies that have been proposed for the MPACZ management and propose a comprehensive and tactical methodology for the development of strategic management procedures. The resulting method encompasses several concepts; the presence of planning and regulation zones, the analysis of the MPACZ using different scales (macro, meso, and local), and the inclusion of the people involved in the uses and regulation.