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#Wildlife·Apr 4, 2023
Article·1 min read

What is a marine protected area?

John Meisner

With marine biodiversity in sharp decline, the future of the planet depends on us taking action to rebuild our ocean. There is no quick fix, but luckily the ocean has a powerful trick up its sleeve: when we protect and care for a specific area, we see that area and the surrounding environment recover at an astonishing rate. This is what marine protected areas are all about.

Image © Antonio Gravante

A marine protected area (MPA) is a designated area of the ocean placed under protection by a governing body.

Marine protection is the process of safeguarding ocean ecosystems and wildlife from human practices that negatively affect the environment. It includes creating protected areas where activities like fishing, drilling, and mining are either restricted or fully prohibited. There are different forms of marine protected areas, including marine reserves, marine parks, and marine sanctuaries.

Lewis Burnett / Ocean Image Bank

Three reasons why marine protected areas are essential

  1. Coastal and marine ecosystems provide a range of services that are vital to human well-being, such as food provision, local livelihoods, and climate regulation.

  2. Marine life plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems, which is in turn essential for the survival of all species.

  3. Marine protected areas support the sustainable development of fisheries, which provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide.

Shawn Heinrichs

The actual level of protection varies depending on both government policy and unwanted, unauthorized traffic accessing the area. Full protection prohibits all access and extractive practices, while “light” protection permits significant human activities to still take place.

Another critical aspect of strong marine protection is the participation and involvement of Indigenous peoples, local communities, and artisanal fisheries. These communities have a deep understanding of their local ocean environment, along with traditional knowledge that can inform and support efforts to preserve and protect marine life. To be successful and meaningful, marine protected areas must prioritize equitable distribution and ensure that Indigenous peoples and local communities are stakeholders in the management of these areas.

To sum up, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize the implementation of marine areas under strong protection and pressure governments to enact better policies.

Do your bit today by signing our petition to tell world leaders to secure at least 30% of the ocean as strong marine protected areas by 2030.

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