This report funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation is meant to inform the ongoing debate on the EU and UK commitments to implementation of marine protected areas (MPAS). The report examines existing global, regional and EC legislation relevant to the implementation of MPAs in European waters. On the domestic level, the UK is examined as a case study, having implemented the offshore first MPA in offshore European waters surrounding the Darwin Mounds cold water coral area 100 nautical miles (nm) northwest of Scotland, within the UK exclusive fisheries zone (EFZ).