MPAs are like retirement accounts: Leakages undermine them

Well-implemented, well-functioning MPAs provide numerous economic benefits. Here I begin by presenting some of these benefits, which include fisheries, insurance, recreational, option, carbon and equity benefits of... [ view full abstract ]

Well-implemented, well-functioning MPAs provide numerous economic benefits. Here I begin by presenting some of these benefits, which include fisheries, insurance, recreational, option, carbon and equity benefits of implementing well-functioning MPAs. Next, I use retirement accounts to illustrate the need to raise the bar for marine protection. The key argument is that MPAs are like retirement accounts, if one keeps raiding his or her retirement account it will not be there when it is most needed, i.e., during retirement. Similarly, an MPA which is only on paper or which is not well-implemented or not adequately monitored to ensure that it is not ‘raided’ by illegal fishers would not serve its purpose. I wrap up my presentation by discussing the new emerging challenge of ‘deMPAing’, and suggesting strategies for implementing MPAs that have the potential to serve their purpose.