Introduction

Oceans

Why are oceans important?

Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth, flowing over nearly three-quarters of our world and linking the islands we call continents. No matter how far from the shore that you live, oceans still affect your life and the lives of your families and friends, classmates and colleagues. The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported by the ocean.

Human Impact on the Ocean

What impact do humans have on the ocean?

Oceans around the world are becoming degraded. Evidence shows that human activities, including intense fishing around the world, are altering ocean ecosystems beyond their natural state. According to numerous scientific studies, fish, shellfish, and other important species are declining in many places. These changes are impairing the ocean’s capacity to provide food, protect livelihoods, maintain clean water, and recover from environmental stresses like severe storms.

MPAs

What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?

A “marine protected area”, or MPA, is an area of the ocean that has been set aside to receive greater protection than the surrounding waters - similar to parks we have on land.* Any site that fits this definition, whether it is named a reserve, marine sanctuary, or other term, is considered to be a marine protected area. MPAs help protect some of the most beautiful and treasured ocean places in the world, such as the Florida Keys, Galápagos Islands, and Great Barrier Reef.

Marine Reserves

What are Marine Reserves?

Marine reserves are defined as ocean areas that are fully and permanently protected from activities that remove animals and plants or alter habitats, except as needed for scientific monitoring. Examples of prohibited activities in marine reserves are fishing, aquaculture, dredging, and mining. In contrast, activities such as swimming, boating, and scuba diving are usually allowed. Marine reserves differ from other kinds of MPAs which exclude only some extractive activities or which provide seasonal or short-term protection.

MPAs and Marine World Heritage

What are Marine World Heritage sites?

World Heritage Sites are iconic, internationally recognized protected areas which are of outstanding universal value. As of 2008, 199 of these sites are recognised for their natural values, and of these 35 Marine World Heritage Sites are included as MPAs for significant marine biodiversity or ecosystem values.

We Need MPAs

Why do we need MPAs?

MPAs are one of a number of tools that can be used by marine resource managers to help protect, manage, and restore marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems.