Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are government-designated zones in which there is a restriction on certain marine activities in the effort to protect the local environment or preserve other existing activities.  The specific purpose of the limits can vary widely, with examples ranging from protecting marine life to conserving historical sites or respecting the cultural practices of a local community.

The level of restrictions in place can vary depending on the location and purpose.  Further, a given marine location may have different levels of zones of protection–depending on the precise area, some activities, such as recreational fishing, may be allowed where others are not.

MPAs are one way in which localities can attempt to reduce or prohibit larger-scale aquaculture.

For more on MPAs, read National Geographic’s The Importance of Marine Protected Areas.