LAUSR

Abstract Effective public communication plays a crucial role in Coastal and Marine Protected Area (CMPA) settings, especially in promoting community support and compliance with protective management measures. While research provides practical guidance for conservation managers, less attention has been given to the internal resources and capacities of the CMPA institutions to support effective communication. Based on a qualitative approach (16 in-depth interviews), this study draws on the views of key agency staff in France to understand internal institutional settings in a context of a low visibility of national CMPAs (especially the Marine Nature Parks and Natura 2000 networks). Results highlight an awareness of the need for well designed and implemented public communication but also clear differences in the way CMPA institutional arrangements hindered and enabled communication efforts. Three aspects are specifically discussed in turn: Centralized versus decentralized governance; Skills and competencies; and ideologies regarding the purpose of CMPAs.