In a collaboration involving scientists from Oregon State University, it was found that the world’s largest marine protected areas (MPAs) are not delivering the biodiversity benefits they could be due to slow implementation of management strategies and a failure to restrict impactful human activities. The analysis focused on the 100 biggest MPAs, which make up nearly 90% of the Earth’s protected ocean areas. These protected areas play a critical role in supporting human life by regulating climate, producing oxygen and food, and providing various benefits. Maintaining a diverse range of species in these areas helps protect the ocean ecosystem and prevents negative impacts such as damage to food supplies and loss of genetic resources with potential importance in medicine and industry.
Marine protected areas are designated parts of the ocean managed for the long-term conservation of nature. They are aimed at protecting and restoring marine biodiversity, promoting healthy ecosystems, and providing lasting benefits to both people and the environment. As the world works towards protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, the assessment serves as a reminder that achieving this goal requires not only an increase in quantity but also an improvement in the quality of marine protected areas. The report also questions the effectiveness of current conservation efforts in meeting the goals of marine protection. The design and management of MPAs play a crucial role in determining their success in delivering benefits to people, nature, and the planet.
The analysis highlighted significant gaps between the extent of ocean covered by MPAs and the strength of protections in place in many cases. The quality of protection, rather than just the quantity of areas covered, should be a key factor in measuring progress towards the 2030 goal of protecting 30% of the ocean. While there are over 18,000 marine protected areas covering approximately 8% of the global ocean, the 100 largest MPAs together cover about 26.3 million square kilometers. The MPA Guide provides a framework to assess the effectiveness of MPAs in achieving their conservation goals based on scientific evidence.
There are wide variations in the design, goals, regulations, and management practices of MPAs, which can impact their effectiveness in conservation efforts. Some MPAs allow activities such as oil and gas exploration, industrial fishing, and aquaculture, while others are highly protected. A quarter of these areas lack proper implementation of management plans, rendering them no different from surrounding unprotected waters and incapable of delivering conservation benefits. Large MPAs are primarily situated in remote areas, leaving critical habitats and species in less remote areas unprotected, further highlighting the need for improved management and regulations to ensure the success of these protected areas.
The assessment emphasizes the importance of setting up and running MPAs properly to maximize their conservation benefits, protect marine life, and support local communities in the long term. By employing evidence-based assessment methods, the researchers aim to provide a clearer understanding of the current status of ocean protection in MPAs globally. It is crucial to ensure that marine protected areas are effectively managed, regulated, and designed to achieve their conservation goals, thereby safeguarding the health of the ocean ecosystem and securing vital benefits for both humans and the environment.
