Are Marine Protected Areas Really Protecting Our Oceans?
Marine Protected Areas are expanding around the world as countries work towards ambitious targets to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. But new research suggests that simply designating an area as protected may not be enough to allow marine life to recover.
Researchers analysed underwater biodiversity data from thousands of shallow coral and rocky reefs around the world, comparing sites both inside and outside Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Rather than measuring protection by the size of an MPA or the restrictions written into its management plan, the researchers looked at what was actually happening beneath the surface – particularly whether fish biomass was recovering.
Their findings suggest that less than 2% of the world’s ocean lies within MPAs where ecosystems are actually recovering.
And even that figure may be optimistic, as it assumes fishing restrictions within protected areas are being followed.
The research does not suggest that MPAs are ineffective. Well-managed and properly enforced protected areas have repeatedly been shown to benefit marine ecosystems, including helping fish and shark populations recover.
The problem is that protection on paper does not necessarily translate into protection underwater.
Fishing pressure, poor compliance with regulations and inadequate monitoring can all undermine the effectiveness of an MPA. Even relatively low levels of fishing can prevent marine communities from making a full recovery.
The researchers say greater emphasis needs to be placed on effective management and enforcement, alongside long-term monitoring of marine life both inside and outside protected areas.
The findings are particularly relevant as governments work towards the global ’30 by 30′ target, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
With attention increasingly focused on how much ocean is designated as protected, the research raises an important question: should success be measured by the number of lines drawn on a map – or by what is actually happening beneath the waves?
