Ensuring quality marine protected areas in the pursuit of meeting global targets

Marine protected areas (MPAs), and no-take marine reserves in particular, are one of the strongest conservation tools that can be utilized in the current era of ocean decline. For decades, progress on protecting key areas of... [ view full abstract ]

Marine protected areas (MPAs), and no-take marine reserves in particular, are one of the strongest conservation tools that can be utilized in the current era of ocean decline. For decades, progress on protecting key areas of the ocean stagnated. However, within the past few years, commitments to establish new MPAs have significantly increased and the rate of MPA formation has accelerated, in great measure by new and renewed global commitments of member states. Both the Convention on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Development Goals specify a global target of protecting and conserving at least 10 percent of ocean area by the year 2020. As the world collectively experiences an upward trend in establishing new MPAs, it is essential that greater focus be given to the quality of protected areas. Achieving positive conservation outcomes, and implementing effective MPA management measures, should be kept in mind in the design and set-up of new MPAs to ensure they are successful. The goals of increasing both quality and quantity can and should be met in tandem. There is enough information on what constitutes an effective MPA to act, both in creating new MPAs and in strengthening existing ones. This presentation will review various efforts to date that have issued recommendations and standards for MPAs, and outline the characteristics and mechanisms needed for effective MPA implementation. It will also discuss next steps for ocean conservation post-2020, and how global platforms can be utilized to inform policymakers and shape positive action for the ocean into the future.