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

Download All* 
* Login to access educator-only files