Gulf of Maine Projects1997 Marine Protected Areas ProjectDefinition of a Marine Protected AreaA marine protected area is generally defined as: Any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, which has been reserved by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment (IUCN resolution officially adopted at the Fourth World Wilderness Congress, 1987). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are places in the marine environment which have been protected to conserve the plants and animals that live within them. Sites which fit this definition have been given a variety of names including "marine reserves," "marine parks," and "marine sanctuaries." Currently, there are over 1,300 MPAs located within 18 regions around the world. MPAs can range from small, highly protected areas covering only a few square miles, to larger multi-use areas in which conservation measures are balanced with human activity. Objectives of Marine Protected AreasIn this sense, MPAs can be considered important tools for promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, They serve a variety of purposes, including:
There is no one perfect marine protected area design. The key to their success is flexibility, tailoring each site to fit the needs of human communities, but ensuring that important conservation goals are reached. |