National Marine Protected Areas Center: MPA Science

MPA Science

Scientific understanding of MPAs is growing rapidly. Research has shown that MPAs are effective at increasing the abundance and diversity of marine life within their boundaries. In order to gain support from and build trust with MPA stakeholders, it is imperative that MPA managers and planners use the best available science in designing and managing MPAs.

MPAs and Fisheries Science

MPAs have been used for decades to manage the nation's marine resources and to conserve both ecosystems and fisheries production. There are still many questions relating to the effectiveness of MPAs at meeting fisheries and/or biodiversity conservation goals.

To address these questions, the National Marine Protected Areas Center is developing a series of "MPA Science Briefs." Summarizing recent scientific studies about MPA effectiveness, these briefs are intended to provide an explanation of some of the most frequently asked questions about the science of marine protected areas.

MPA Science Briefs

2012

Do "No-Take" Marine Reserves Benefit Adjacent Fisheries? (March) (pdf, 523 kb)

2011

Do Fish Swim In and Out of Marine Protected Areas? (May) (pdf, 321 kb)

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Science & Stewardship Mapping Ocean Uses Cultural Heritage MPAs Identifying Conservation Gaps GIS Navigating MPAs MPA Effectiveness Climate Change Impacts MPA Science	MPA Science > Science & Stewardship > MPA Science Scientific understanding of MPAs is growing rapidly. Research has shown that MPAs are effective at increasing the abundance and diversity of marine life within their boundaries. In order to gain support from and build trust with MPA stakeholders, it is imperative that MPA managers and planners use the best available science in designing and managing MPAs. MPAs and Fisheries Science MPAs have been used for decades to manage the nation's marine resources and to conserve both ecosystems and fisheries production. There are still many questions relating to the effectiveness of MPAs at meeting fisheries and/or biodiversity conservation goals. To address these questions, the National Marine Protected Areas Center is developing a series of "MPA Science Briefs." Summarizing recent scientific studies about MPA effectiveness, these briefs are intended to provide an explanation of some of the most frequently asked questions about the science of marine protected areas. MPA Science Briefs 2012 Do "No-Take" Marine Reserves Benefit Adjacent Fisheries? (March) (pdf, 523 kb) 2011 Do Fish Swim In and Out of Marine Protected Areas? (May) (pdf, 321 kb)

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