Marine Protected Areas - Ocean Central

Protected areas support both passive and active nature restoration efforts, including blue carbon projects, by providing the necessary conditions for long-term success. MPAs help replenish fish populations, restore habitats like coral reefs, and protect endangered species. Over time, they create a “spillover effect” where marine life inside protected areas enhances populations outside their boundaries.

MPAs contribute to the blue economy by protecting marine biodiversity, which supports industries such as tourism and sustainable fishing. Fishing can be supported through spillover effects from MPAs, as fish populations recover and spillover into adjacent areas, supporting sustainable fisheries. MPAs allow nature to thrive, and their abundance and diversity of life is a draw for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The IUCN recognizes that protected areas are the most effective tool to address both biodiversity loss and climate change. Marine ecosystems can store carbon over the long-term if they are undisturbed. By removing human pressures, marine protected areas can safeguard ecosystems, contributing to climate mitigation.

Well-managed MPAs contribute to sustainable economic growth beyond fishing and tourism. Protected areas provide job opportunities in conservation, research, and marine monitoring, while also preventing costly ecosystem degradation. Protecting marine habitats unlocks new revenue streams through ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and coastal protection, supporting a nature-positive economy. MPAs offer employment opportunities, including roles as rangers, educators, and outreach coordinators within coastal communities. Additionally, blue spaces offer important cultural and wellbeing benefits that enhance quality of life for people.

The Blue Parks initiative, led by the Marine Conservation Institute, recognizes exemplary marine protected areas for their effective conservation practices. These MPAs are celebrated for being “in the right places with the right rules and the right management” to protect marine life. As of 2024, 30 MPAs across 23 countries have received the Blue Park Award. This represents just 1% of the ocean, underscoring the substantial progress needed to meet the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework’s target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.