Marine Protected Areas
Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase
Marine Protected Areas
Estuaries, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, bays and sounds provide food and shelter for sea life. These sensitive areas are under siege from development and other threats.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a key tool to rebuild fish populations and revitalize ocean ecosystems.
How They Work
MPAs: Safeguarding the Ocean's Cradle of Life
MPAs are off-limits to oil drilling and mining, and fishing is restricted or banned. We partner with fishermen and others to build support for these underwater wilderness areas.
In Action
Three New Undersea National Monuments Created
A vast area, larger than California, will be protected in the Central Pacific, including nine coral island jewels.
- Article: How we helped win protections.
- Slideshow: Preserving marine treasures.
- Video: A glimpse of Kingman atoll.
In Action
Protecting Marine Resources: Example in California
Forty-eight marine protected areas (MPAs) have been designated by a plan that would safeguard 15% of the state waters off Southern California.
See article: "Science Meets Politics Off California's Coast", Science, March 26, 2010, Vol 327
