We have used a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework to; (i) identify and characterise pressures on Area Based Management Tools (ABMTs); (ii) characterise the ecological / biological state of ABMTs and predict shifts in response to pressures and; (iii) to identify potential responses and measures to fill gaps identified. Three ABMTs were assessed: 1) OSPAR Marine Protected Areas, 2) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas, and 3) Regional Fisheries Management Organisations’ (RFMO’s) closures to protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). They were assessed for a 20-50-year time-frame, using a step-wise methodology based on five key variables based on available technical and scientific information. Our work shows the need for more complete impact assessments, and further research including the impact of additional variables and more precise and reliable spatial and temporal models. Conservation targets for highly mobile species can likely be met by relocating ABMTs, and for sessile/low mobility species, there are a few mitigation options to support short-term conservation efforts.