Marine protected areas (MPAs) are coastal or offshore marine areas managed to protect the natural and/or cultural resources of a particular place. MPA networks, a more recent development, are systems of MPAs designed to increase protection to a geographic area. There can me numerous goals of MPAs though they are mainly related to conservation (e.g., biodiversity conservation, protection of a rare species), or sustainability (e.g., fisheries management, recreation). This module introduces MPAs including the costs and benefits, relations to biodiversity and fisheries management, design and implementation, with a look towards how MPAs can be more effective in the future. Through role-playing, the accompanying exercise allows students to experience the challenges of developing a plan for an MPA that satisfies different users while meeting common objectives.
View this module in other languages:
Aires Protégées Marines (APM) et Réseaux d'APM (French)
See also:
International Treaties for Marine Conservation and Management
Marine Conservation Policy
The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals
Marine Reserves and Local Fisheries-an Interactive Simulation
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Conflict and Consensus in Marine Conservation
Theme: Conservation Management
Language: English
Region: Global
Keywords: conservation, management, marine, policy, stakeholders, protected areas
Components: 8
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This synthesis discusses why MPAs are needed and explains some of the key differences between MPAs and terrestrial protected areas. It covers the various objectives for establishing MPAs and networks of MPAs, and it discusses at length the benefits and costs of using this conservation tool. The synthesis also describes the steps involved in designing and implementing MPAs, including a standardized procedure for selecting MPA sites and designating individual MPAs. Finally, it explores governance and management issues, and lists useful references for the student and practitioner.
Through role-playing, students experience the challenges presenting in developing a plan for an MPA that satisfies different users while meeting common objectives.
Author: E. Naro-Maciel, D.R. Brumbaugh
Author: T. Agardy, F. Staub
2 files
Author: T. Agardy, F. Staub
Author: T. Agardy, F. Staub
Author: E. Naro-Maciel, D.R. Brumbaugh