A Marine Protect Area (MPA) is a place in the sea or ocean that has been designated as important or unique for one of many reasons. Because of this designation, it is protected by law so that it can be managed to preserve its integrity. The use of MPAs as a management tool can be very effective because it manages the ecosystem within its boundaries and can still fulfill the needs of the area’s users.

There are many different kinds of MPAs and each has its own regulations as to what types of activities are permitted. An MPA might be established to protect a species of fish or type of habitat. This kind of MPA would restrict uses such as fishing or certain kinds of gear. An area might also be protected because it is an important scientific or educational site. This kind of MPA might be closed to anyone except scientific permit holders. An MPA can even be established to protect an historical site, such as a sunken ship. By monitoring the kinds of activities in the MPA, we have a better chance of preserving the natural processes and services our oceans provide us. By using MPAs as one of many management tools, we can help to conserve biodiversity, manage our natural resources, sustain commercial and recreational fisheries and protect endangered species.

As coastal populations increase, stresses on marine resources also increase. In the United States only 17% of the land area is considered coastal, yet it houses 50% of the nation’s population . Growing communities along the coasts require new development for housing, businesses and recreation. This development can bring along with it additional stresses to the marine ecosystem in the form of degradation of coastal habitats, pollution, erosion, overexploitation of living resources and overuse. Growing populations also mean an increased need for fish and other kinds of seafood. Fishers in the United States annually catch about 9,400,000,000 pounds of fish from our waters . Some of the species of fish caught are over harvested and many of the methods used to harvest them damage marine habitats.

While coastal communities and governments are working together to reduce their impacts on the marine ecosystems, coastal managers have found that the use of MPAs, in addition to local, state or federal regulations, are a promising way to restore natural ecological relationships.

In order to maintain the health of sensitive marine ecosystems and continue to benefit from the services they provide, coastal managers worldwide are recognizing the strengths of using MPAs as a tool for conserving marine resources. By providing an ecosystem-based approach to resource management we can focus on restoring the natural function of marine habitats, we are giving these areas an opportunity to replenish themselves

MPAs benefit coastal communities in several ways. First, an MPA can restore and protect the ecosystems that support the community by regulating human activities. Second, an MPA can reverse the effects of overfishing and overuse and potentially supplement fishing opportunities outside of its boundaries by exporting healthy fish to other areas. Third, an MPA can become an outstanding educational tool for the public. Finally, an MPA can provide an unforgettable recreational opportunity to those who visit. 

See our "Links" page for more information on Marine Protected Areas.

Text courtesy of E.Ban