Marine Conservation Institute, Author at Marine Conservation Institute

Marine Protection Atlas Supports Data-Driven Conservation Planning Through Integration into the Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager

Marine Conservation Institute — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:02:46 +0000

Article

Marine Protection Atlas Supports Data-Driven Conservation Planning Through Integration into the Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager

Photo Credit: Single Fin Photo / Ocean Image Bank

By Marine Conservation Institute | November, 2025

Marine Conservation Institute and Global Fishing Watch proudly announce their collaboration to feature Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas) data on Marine Manager. This strategic partnership will allow management authorities and decision makers to understand where marine protected areas (MPAs) have been assessed for quality and how likely current marine protection is to achieve conservation outcomes. This information is critical to support future planning, policy making, and management actions.

"The direct impact of human activity is critical to evaluating the effectiveness of MPAs to deliver biodiversity benefits. The MPAtlas layer allows Global Fishing Watch users to see how establishment and protection of MPAs relates to the amount of human activity in these areas,”

said Beth Pike, Director of the Marine Protection Atlas at Marine Conservation Institute.

Screenshot of Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager with MPAtlas selected as a reference layer. The default view displays Fully and Highly protected areas. Users can change the filter and click on specific MPAs to see more information.

Human activities are placing tremendous pressure on marine ecosystems. Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be incredibly effective tools for protecting and revitalizing the ocean, which is reflected in the international target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 (“30x30”). However, their benefits are often hampered by lack of implementation or weak protection. A recent report, led by Marine Conservation Institute, established a global baseline for 30x30, finding that one quarter of the area in reported MPAs is not implemented and an additional third of the area in reported MPAs continues to allow destructive, industrial-scale activities that are not compatible with conservation outcomes.

In 2012, Marine Conservation Institute launched the Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas) to track and report on global marine protection with an emphasis on quality, in addition to quantity. MPAtlas employs The MPA Guide, a science-based framework that categorizes MPAs based on their Stage of Establishment and Level of Protection to connect them to the biodiversity outcomes they are expected to achieve. Fully and highly protected areas are linked to the greatest conservation benefits, and MPAtlas reporting focuses on these MPAs that will meaningfully benefit biodiversity. Reporting the amount of fully or highly protected area counted towards global conservation progress provides a clear understanding of real progress and emphasizes the importance of MPA effectiveness in conservation goals. As of October 2025, MPAtlas reports that only 3.1% of the global ocean is fully or highly protected.

Screenshot of MPAtlas' MPA Guide Marine Protection page. The default view displays Fully and Highly protected areas. Users can change the filter and click on specific MPAs to see more information.

Global Fishing Watch’s Marine Manager platform, developed in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, seeks to use innovative technology to improve insight into MPAs, supporting science-based decision-making, management, and monitoring. It allows users to rapidly collate, visualize, and analyze scientific data on human use and oceanographic conditions to facilitate informed decision-making and stewardship. The portal displays key metrics like the apparent fishing effort, vessel activity, sea surface temperature, and habitat layers. Providing managers and decision-makers with adequate information in near-real time can facilitate the necessary improvements for the successful implementation and management of MPAs.

Integrating MPAtlas data into Marine Manager will allow users to consider and visualize where MPAs have been evaluated for their level of protection from direct human impacts. Since the Level of Protection and Stage of Establishment are directly derived from the patterns of human use, particularly over time, MPAtlas data allows users to have a more holistic picture of their local or regional marine protected areas and more directly connect the strength of protection to human actions and environmental outcomes on the water.

"Adding MPAtlas to the Marine Manager layer library significantly enhances the platform by providing clear assessment data on MPA implementation status and the level of protection for users, enabling better understanding for those working to manage and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems,”

said Charles Kilgour, Director of Program Initiatives, Global Programs at Global Fishing Watch.

Ensuring that MPAs effectively protect biodiversity is critical to truly achieving the 30x30 target. By sharing MPAtlas data on Marine Manager, Marine Conservation Institute and Global Fishing Watch empower users to consider the quality of protections and turn information into action. To explore the data, check out Marine Manager or the Marine Protection Atlas. Click here to learn more about how to contribute to the Marine Protection Atlas.

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Enduring refuges for ocean wildlife: Blue Parks’ Five-Year Review

Marine Conservation Institute — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:01:36 +0000

Article

Enduring refuges for ocean wildlife: Blue Parks’ Five-Year Review

Photo Credit: Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

By Marine Conservation Institute | September 25, 2025

Imagine an effective marine protected area (MPA): an ocean sanctuary alive with biodiversity, supporting thriving ecosystems, and recognized with a prestigious Blue Park Award. But what happens after this milestone of conservation excellence? Oceans are dynamic, pressures are constant, and conditions change — so how do we ensure these places continue to deliver on their promise? That’s where the Blue Parks five-year review process comes in, verifying that award-winning MPAs remain effective over time and continue contributing to lasting conservation outcomes.

A Deep Dive into the Review

Effective MPA management is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and adaptation to address changing circumstances. Our five-year review process ensures that Blue Parks sustain the Blue Park Standard over time and continue to adapt management to address emerging threats and conservation goals. To maintain its award status, each Blue Park undergoes a comprehensive review after five years. This process is like a thorough health checkup. More than just a cursory examination, the process involves a deep dive into the essence of what makes a Blue Park exemplary. Carefully developed, the five-year review aims to keep a finger on the pulse of the MPA’s management, biodiversity outcomes, and socioeconomic contexts, verifying that the MPA continues to meet the Blue Park Standard.

Like the ocean itself, our review process comprises many dynamic layers. The Blue Parks initiative is rooted in the Blue Park Standard. This Standard was developed based on the extensive scientific literature of MPA effectiveness with the contributions of over 100 marine scientists from around the world through a series of workshops and focus groups. The Blue Parks Science Council, comprised of over 30 leading marine conservation experts, has played a particularly significant role in reviewing the Standard and keeping it up-to-date.

As the review commences, our team of marine conservation experts systematically compiles comprehensive information about any changes to the Blue Park’s management over the past five years. This involves a scientific literature review, a deep dive into all updated management and compliance strategies, and interviews of managers. Just as we do during Blue Park Award evaluations, we synthesize a wide variety of MPA documentation, including enforcement records, budgets, management plans, monitoring reports, and any other updates since the initial evaluation. This new information is summarized in an addendum to the original Evaluation Report, painting a vivid picture of the MPA’s journey since first earning the Blue Park designation.

Photo Courtesy of Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary

Photo Courtesy of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site

Riding the Waves of Change: What happens when a Blue Park changes over time?

Through the review process, we may observe Blue Parks grappling with new challenges or achieving remarkable improvements. Recognizing the dynamic nature of both human and marine environments, our five-year review process is designed to respond to change.

When notable changes are identified through the review process, the completed reports are shared with the Blue Parks Science Council. The Council reviews the report and supporting documentation, and they may choose to update their award decision. This ensures that each Blue Park's status accurately reflects its current performance and alignment with the Blue Park Standard.

Based on the gathered information and Science Council consensus, a Blue Park may experience one of three outcomes:

Maintaining their Blue Park Status: Many Blue Parks continue to thrive and meet our high standards, demonstrating their dedication to long-term, effective conservation and MPA management.
Blue Park Level Upgrade: Blue Parks that demonstrate exceptional improvements and meet more of the criteria that comprise the Blue Park Standard may be eligible for an upgrade in their award status (e.g. advancing from the silver level to gold).
Facing Challenges: Changes are inevitable: budgets fluctuate, enforcement can be a challenge, and management plan objectives may prove difficult to achieve. If an MPA is struggling to continue meeting the Blue Park Standard, we offer our collaboration to help bring the MPA back on track. We may downgrade their status (e.g., from the gold level to silver) or offer them Blue Spark status while we work with the managers to secure capacity and implement the improvements needed to succeed.

The Impact and Importance of our enduring Blue Parks

Our five-year review process maintains the integrity of the initiative by ensuring that Blue Parks represent the Blue Park Standard and provide models for marine conservation excellence. Holding Blue Parks accountable through regular, thorough evaluations creates a ripple effect: as MPAs maintain effective implementation, we see improvements in ecosystem vitality, which in turn supports local economies and communities.

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THE HIGH SEAS TREATY IS RATIFIED! A Historic Milestone for Ocean Conservation

Marine Conservation Institute — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:09:08 +0000

Article

THE HIGH SEAS TREATY IS RATIFIED!
A Historic Milestone for Ocean Conservation

By Marine Conservation Institute | September 19, 2025

Today, the global conservation community achieved a historic win for ocean conservation. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, the final countries—including St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, and Morocco—deposited the ratifications needed to bring the historic High Seas Treaty—or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Agreement—to a total of 61 ratifications by countries. With this threshold reached, the treaty officially enters into force 120 days from today in January 2026 and becomes international law.

Image courtesy of the High Seas Alliance, co-founded by Marine Conservation Institute

What are the High Seas, and why are they worth protecting?

The High Seas, which encompass the area of the ocean beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), make up 90% of the ocean’s volume, nearly two-thirds of the total ocean area, and half of our planet’s surface. Often, when we think of the open ocean or “international waters,” we think of a vast expanse of lifeless water—a desert at sea.

But this could not be further from the truth. The High Seas are home to an incredible abundance of biodiversity. These waters contain deep sea seamounts bustling with rare and fragile forms of marine life, expansive, lush seagrass meadows, colorful deep-sea corals, and massive aggregations of migratory species such as whales, seabirds, sharks, and tuna. It is also an incredibly important part of the ocean-climate system, with the largest migration of animals on the planet rising from the mesopelagic zone (or “Ocean Twilight Zone”) each night, bringing an estimated 2-6 gigatons of carbon back into the deep ocean where it is locked away for thousands of years.

And while the High Seas may seem out of reach (and therefore safe from the threats of human activity), they face many of the same—and several unique—threats compared to coastal ecosystems, including harmful fishing practices at an unsustainable scale, shipping, plastic and nutrient pollution, recent threats from deep sea mining and other geoengineering projects, and the multitude of negative impacts caused by climate change: warming waters, lower oxygen levels, and increasing acidity. Protecting the High Seas may seem out of touch with the everyday needs of humans, but it is increasingly vital to ensuring our collective future.

Why is the High Seas Treaty historic?

Until this point, no globally encompassing international treaty has enabled countries to propose formal area-based management tools (ABMTs) including marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect the high seas. To date, conservation efforts have been hindered by requirements to seek separate sector-by-sector regulations. Once the treaty enters into force in January, the process of establishing the treaty’s implementation mechanisms, including specialized committees, the Secretariat, and a Clearing House Mechanism to allow for transparent information transfer, will begin. Once these pieces are established, slated to be discussed throughout the third Preparatory Commission in March 2026 (PrepCom 3) and the first Conference of the Parties (COP) by January 2027, countries that have ratified the treaty will be able to:

Establish protections (including MPAs) on the High Seas, protecting vulnerable areas such as seamounts and other biodiversity hotspots

Share profits and other benefits from commercial products sourced from the High Seas (also called “marine genetic resources”)

Mandate programs to level the playing field for marine research and technology for countries in the Global South

Require Environmental Impact Assessments for harmful activities on the High Seas (even those occurring outside of protected areas)

These four components (which almost represent four mini treaties in themselves)—if implemented effectively—will ideally allow for strong protections for biodiversity on the High Seas while centering the equitable involvement of countries and populations historically underrepresented in multilateral processes, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Corals on the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges, one of the High Seas areas considered for protection under the treaty, thanks to the work of the Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition. Photo Credit: Enric Sala / National Geographic Society

Notably, establishing High Seas MPAs represents one of the only remaining pathways to reach the global target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 (per the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Target 3). Current ocean protection levels stand at 9.6% as reported by the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), and our own analysis at Marine Conservation Institute critically indicates that only 2.9% of the ocean exists in areas that are fully or highly protected. On the High Seas, current protection levels are less than 1%. With the High Seas Treaty in place, Marine Conservation Institute and our allies are working to increase the amount and quality of these protections within the next few years by ushering in the first generation of strong, effectively managed MPAs implemented in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

What happens next?

While reaching 60 ratifications represents a major milestone for the High Seas Treaty, the work is just beginning. To ensure effective, equitable, global implementation, the ultimate goal is to achieve universal ratification, where all UN countries ratify the treaty to both ensure they are bound to its requirements and to provide everyone with a seat at the table during future COPs. Countries that sign the treaty (without ratification) are still committing to its provisions, but there is less of a legal requirement to uphold its measures. The treaty will close for signature on September 20th. Currently, 143 countries have signed.

The next major convening for the High Seas Treaty will be Prepcom 3 held in New York in March, followed by the first COP sometime later in 2026 (or early 2027), where it is likely that the first proposals for High Seas MPAs will be submitted—many of them by countries part of the “BBNJ First Movers” group led by Chile.

At Marine Conservation Institute, we are determined to continue our decades-long efforts in advancing strong, effective, High Seas protections, including by promoting Motion 035: Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity at the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi this October, improving and updating our High Seas Protection Tracker—a tool which tracks current protections and relevant information for High Seas regulations—and contributing our scientific expertise to the development of the first generation of High Seas MPAs to ensure that they are fully and highly protected, achieving the greatest benefits to biodiversity and people. As a member of the High Seas Alliance, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, and the Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition, we have already begun collaborating with our partners on crucial groundwork for these inaugural efforts and will be sharing updates on our expanded High Seas program in the coming weeks and months.

In a moment where the global conservation community faces increasing political challenges both at home and abroad, the High Seas Treaty represents a major reason for hope and inspiration for the future of our ocean and ourselves.

Join us to ensure this landmark agreement translates to real protections on the water for us and future generations!

For more information on our High Seas work, visit: marine-conservation.org/high-seas/

Support our Critical Work Protecting Wild Ocean Places

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Promises or Protections? What UNOC3’s Commitments Mean for Ocean Conservation

Marine Conservation Institute — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:49:40 +0000

Article

Promises or Protections?

What UNOC3’s Commitments Mean for Ocean Conservation

Photo Credit: Single Fin Photo / Ocean Image Bank

By Marine Conservation Institute | June 20, 2025

Last week, ocean advocates from around the globe came together at the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, to accelerate action towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. So what was accomplished for ocean conservation? Here’s our recap of some of the major announcements and commitments from the week and their significance for the ocean conservation movement.

Announcements and Actions at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference

MPA Announcements

International ocean conferences, like UNOC, often serve as a platform for governments to announce their intentions to create marine protected areas (MPAs). UNOC3 was no different – a total of 12 countries made announcements that involved the proposal of new MPAs or the designation or implementation of existing ones.

If all of these commitments come to fruition—totaling 5,932,538 km² of new area—an additional 1.6% of the global ocean could be protected.

The vast majority of the announcements simply announced the intention to create a protected area. These proposed or committed MPAs are in the first stage of establishment: formally recognized but not yet affording on-the-water protections. It can take years for MPAs in early stages to reach the point of providing meaningful benefits to marine biodiversity.

While these announcements serve as important indicators of political will, there are no actual protections on the water until MPAs are implemented, and they are not responsive to changing conditions until they are actively managed.

Image: The four stages of establishment for marine protected areas.
Source: The Graphic Guide to Marine Protected Areas.

Large-Area Proposals

In an ambitious announcement, President Moetai Brotherson of French Polynesia committed to the creation of two new massive MPAs, 220,000 km² around the Society Islands and 680,000 km² near the Gambier Islands, totaling 900,000 km² of newly proposed protections. He also detailed a number of conservation measures to be implemented, including a ban on deep-sea mining and fish-aggregating devices (FADs), and the establishment of 186,000 km² of artisanal fishing zones around the Austral, Marquesas, Society, and Gambier Islands.

It is noteworthy that this announcement comes nine years after the Austral Islands and seven years after the Marquesas Island protections were originally proposed, and both have yet to come into effect.

Similarly, President Gabriel Boric of Chile announced the 350,000 km² expansion of two of the world’s largest designated Marine Parks, Nazca-Desventuradas and Mar de Juan Fernández. Designated in 2016 and 2018, respectively, these parks are still awaiting the approval of their management plans and have yet to come into full effect on the water.

While these announcements are welcome signs of progress, the species and habitats within these important areas are not protected until conservation measures are implemented and enforced, or better yet, actively managed.

Implementation Success!

Only one country’s announcement advanced actual protections on the water. On May 1st, 2025, Samoa advanced the establishment of nine proposed MPAs by legally designating four and implementing the other five.

The implementation of these five fully protected MPAs bans mining, dredging, dumping, infrastructure, aquaculture, and fishing and regulates anchoring and non-extractive activities in 33,389 km² of ocean area, bringing Samoa’s fully protected MPA coverage to 25.6% of its national waters!

The other four designated MPAs are to be implemented in 2027. While commitments and designations help build the momentum towards protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30), it is this kind of tangible implementation and active management that we need to see to ensure a healthy ocean for the future.

Marine Protected Areas in Samoa.
Source: https://mpatlas.org/countries/WSM/

Other MPA Commitments

The nations of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea announced the world’s largest Indigenous-led MPA. The Melanesian Ocean Reserve’s committed area spans 4,628,248 km² across all three countries.
Additionally, the Solomon Islands committed to protecting 27,400 km² of its national waters in MPAs and marine managed areas (MMAs) around the Temotu and Makira Provinces.
Portugal announced its intention to implement Gorringe Bank, an area identified as a Site of Community Importance in 2015 and designated by Portuguese law in 2020. The implementation of this 22,881 km² MPA will bring Portugal’s national marine protected area coverage to 25%.
The Marshall Islands celebrated their 2024 implementation of the Bikar and Bokak National Marine Sanctuary spanning 48,000 km².
Colombia announced the creation of the Serranilla and Baja Nuevo MPA. Previously included in the 60,808 km² Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, this 3,800 km² area will receive “exclusive long-term protection status.” While boundaries for this new MPA are yet to be confirmed, the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve is currently made up of two zones with only 1,936 km² or 3.2% of the site under full protection.
Tanzania committed to the creation of two new MPAs, the North-East Pemba Conservation Area (837 km²) and the South-East Pemba Conservation Area (468 km²) that together would total 1,305 km² of newly protected ocean.
Sao Tome & Principe proposed the creation of eight new MPAs covering an area of 93 km².
Greece announced the intention to create two new MPAs and ban trawling within all Marine Parks.

Barriers to Implementation

With these promises, we look hopefully toward the 2030 horizon and emphasize the importance of MPAs’ degree of implementation and level of protection as we inch closer to 30%. If all UNOC3 announcements were implemented with stringent measures and adequate enforcement capacities, the combined area would increase our global number of highly and fully protected MPAs to 4.3%. Crucially, proposing an MPA is only the first step on a difficult road to durable, effective ocean protection. As demonstrated by the cases of the Chilean and French Polynesian MPAs, barriers to implementation can make the realization of these accomplishments difficult for a wide array of reasons.

Financing, namely, is a key piece of ensuring the successful implementation of MPAs. Marine Conservation Institute, et al., released a new report at this year's UNOC, warning of a $14.6 billion shortfall in ocean protection funding and highlighted the urgent need for increased investment and effective action. Moreover, 4.3% is a long shot from the 30% target. Halfway through the UN Ocean Decade, we now have five years to protect the remaining 27.3% of the ocean deemed necessary to preserve marine biodiversity and enhance climate resilience. It’s about time to kick things into high gear.

Explore our interactive Marine Protection Atlas to learn more about the stage of establishment and level of protection of MPAs around the world at mpatlas.org.

Blue Parks

While this may paint a dismal picture of current progress towards international goals, the good news is that there are plenty of inspiring examples of MPAs that are leading the way and demonstrating what it looks like when ocean conservation is done right. Marine Conservation Institute awarded four MPAs the prestigious Blue Park Award at UNOC, including Cahuita National Park (Costa Rica), Gorgona National Natural Park (Colombia), Kaho'olawe Island Reserve (Hawai'i, U.S.), and Shark Fin Bay MPA Network (Taytay, Philippines). To learn more about these ocean success stories and the people behind them, read our recent press release.

Top Left: Dr. Lance Morgan, President, Marine Conservation Institute; Right: Representatives from Parques Nacional Natural Gorgona; Far Left: Frédéric Tardieu, co-founder of the Sulubaaï Foundation, BP Award winner for Shark Fin Bay MPA Network;

High Seas Treaty Ratification Progress

In addition to commitments made to protect areas within national jurisdiction, there was also significant progress towards ratification of the High Seas Treaty, an international framework that will enable the proposal—and eventual implementation—of MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), which make up nearly two-thirds of our ocean and half of our planet.

Nineteen countries deposited their ratifications at UNOC3, bringing the total number of ratifications to 50 with several more in the pipeline. Once 60 ratifications are reached, the treaty will enter into force and become international law. At the current rate of progress, there is a strong likelihood that the treaty will be ratified by the UN General Assembly meeting this fall.

Source: High Seas Alliance

Currently, only 1% of the High Seas is protected—a percentage that has not changed much over the last decade. Under the BBNJ Treaty, there is potential for the percentage to increase at a faster rate over the next few years as countries move through the process of proposing, designating, implementing, and, eventually, actively managing MPAs in ABNJ. In theory, this could lead to the creation of more fully and highly protected MPAs and progress towards the 30x30 goal. In practice, many questions remain as to what these protections will look like on the water and how they will lead to equitable benefits for biodiversity and people.

To learn more about where the first generation of High Seas MPAs may be established and existing High Seas protections, such as fishery closures through Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and protections from deep-sea mining, check out Marine Conservation Institute’s High Seas Protection Tracker.

Protecting the Deep

Harmful extractive activities threatening deep-sea ecosystems—such as prospective deep-sea mining and destructive bottom trawling—were a major focus at the conference, with countries facing mounting pressure from civil society and ocean advocates to halt these practices or prevent them from starting altogether.

Deep Sea Mining

In his opening statement, French President Emmanuel Macron described deep-sea mining as “madness” and prompted world leaders to call for a moratorium on the practice. Several more countries voiced their support for a moratorium, bringing the total number to 37.

This momentum comes at a critical moment, as other countries, including the United States, accelerate efforts to exploit deep-sea ecosystems for their resources both within and outside national jurisdiction.

Source: Deep Sea Conservation Coalition

Bottom Trawling

Meanwhile, bottom trawling—a highly destructive fishing method—remains alarmingly widespread, even within implemented MPAs, particularly across the EU.

While the conference saw some new commitments aimed at restricting bottom trawling in protected waters, overall progress remains slow and enforcement inconsistent. Despite mounting scientific evidence and public pressure, meaningful action to fully eliminate this practice from MPAs is still lagging behind expectations. Here were some examples:

France acknowledged the incompatibility of bottom trawling with the protection of biodiversity and committed to protecting 4% of national waters from the activity (an increase from the current 0.1%). This announcement was met with criticism, with many groups claiming that this showed a lack of commitment and ambition.
Denmark proposed a law to ban bottom trawling in 17,000 km² of its protected areas (over 17% of its national waters).
UK Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced a ban on bottom trawling covering more than 30,000 km², about half of English MPAs.

On World Ocean Day (June 8), Marine Conservation Institute, in partnership with the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) and the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO), urged scientists worldwide to sign an open letter to the UN demanding that leaders honor longstanding commitments to stop bottom trawling. We remain hopeful that world leaders will hear our plea to end an activity that directly undermines efforts to protect marine biodiversity.

Overall, the third UN Ocean Conference witnessed some meaningful progress and commitments towards effective, equitable ocean protection. The next challenge, however, will be to translate these commitments into meaningful action and implementation, turning promises into protections. For years, the international community has been coming together at conferences to sign agreements, adopt frameworks, and make public announcements for future actions. Today, we are in the 11th hour—the time to act is now.

At Marine Conservation Institute, we will continue to advocate for and track the implementation and effectiveness of MPAs as we strive to protect 30% of our ocean by 2030.

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2025 Blue Park Award Winners Announced at the UN Ocean Conference

Marine Conservation Institute — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

News Release

2025 Blue Park Award Winners Announced at the UN Ocean Conference

New Marine Protected Areas Recognized for Outstanding Conservation

photo: Sulubaaï Foundation

Press Kit & Media Resources

[Nice, France, 12 June 2025] — Four marine protected areas (MPAs) were honored with prestigious Blue Park Awards today at the 3^rd UN Ocean Conference. The newly awarded Blue Parks are: Cahuita National Park (Costa Rica), Gorgona National Natural Park (Colombia), Kaho'olawe Island Reserve (Hawai'i, U.S.), and Shark Fin Bay MPA Network (Taytay, Philippines).

Photo credits: Sulubaaï Foundation, Ross Kamimoto, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación/SINAC, Edwar Herreno

These MPAs earned the Blue Park Award for exceptional efforts in conserving marine biodiversity and join a growing global network of 34 Blue Parks that meet the highest science- based standards for conservation effectiveness.

The winners were selected by an international council of marine conservation experts convened by U.S.-based Marine Conservation Institute. Awards are based on the Blue Park Standard, a rigorous, science-driven framework for MPA effectiveness. The four new Blue Parks encompass approximately 1,074 km² (415 mi²) of ocean, bringing the Blue Park Network’s total to more than 3.5 million km² (1.35 million mi²) of effectively protected ocean across 23 countries.

The announcement was made by Dr. Lance Morgan, President of Marine Conservation Institute, at a high-level event co-hosted with the Republic of Costa Rica, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, MigraMar, EarthEcho International, and The Blue Quest.

“The recognition of the Blue Park Award to Gorgona National Natural Park is a milestone that reaffirms the value of conserving life in all its forms,” said Luisz Olmedo Martínez Zamora, Director of Colombia’s National Natural Parks. “This protected area is a refuge for extraordinary biodiversity and a symbol of our commitment to peace with nature. This award honors the collective efforts of those who protect these marine ecosystems, especially our park rangers and technical teams on the ground, whose silent work makes this type of recognition possible.”

"We hope that the participatory conservation model of Cahuita National Park continues to be a global example, allowing us to create synergies with other Blue Parks around the world to strengthen protected wilderness areas, conserve our oceans, and build the well-being of our communities," stated Maylin Mora Arias, Regional Director of the Caribbean Friendship Conservation Area within Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas.

Parque Nacional CAHUITA

Research conducted at Cahuita [Photo: Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC)]

Reef fish at Cahuita National Park [Photo: Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC)]

Ocypode quadrata crab [Photo: Hans Hillewaert]

Cahuita management team [Photo: Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC)]

Corals at Cahuita [Photo: Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC)]

Parque Nacional Natural GORGONA

Gorgona aerial view [Photo: Sebastian Moreno]

Corals at Gorgona [Photo: Paola Maria Sanchez]

Humpback whale breaching at Gorgona [Photo: Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia]

Gorgona management team [Photo: Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia]

Pelican at Gorgona [Photo: Patrick del Castillo]

KAHO'OLAWE Island Reserve

Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Council [Photo: KIRC]

Brown Noddies at Kahoʻolawe [Photo: Ross Kamimoto]

Ocean Management Team, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Council [Photo: KIRC]

Monk Seal resting at Kahoʻolawe [Photo: Ross Kamimoto]

Reef fish at Kahoʻolawe [Photo: Dean Tokishi]

Green Sea Turtle surfacing at Kahoʻolawe [Photo: Ross Kamimoto]

SHARK FIN BAY MPA Network

Shark Fin Bay [Photo: Sulubaaï Foundation]

Bantai dagat (community-based sea patrol), Shark Fin Bay [Photo: Sulubaaï Foundation]

Coral garden at Shark Fin Bay [Photo: Corinne Bourbeillon]

Longfin batfish swimming above corals at Shark Fin Bay [Photo: Corinne Bourbeillon]

Team meeting for Shark Fin Bay network [Photo: Sulubaaï Foundation]

The 2025 Blue Parks join the Blue Parks Network, comprised of some of the world’s most outstanding marine protected areas and ocean champions. As the global conservation community works to protect 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030 (‘30×30’), Blue Parks demonstrate exceptional models of effective biodiversity conservation that inspire accelerated action.

“Our Blue Park Award fits in perfectly with our commitment, and we'll never give up on the ocean. With our Blue Park Award and our community, we want to be the first NGO to reach the 30×30 target in our bay in the Philippines,” said Fred Tardieu, President and Founder of the Sulubaai Environmental Foundation that co-manages the Shark Fin Bay MPA Network with local communities.

"This award recognizes our integrated system approach in blending modern resource management techniques with a Native Hawaiian culturally appropriate framework designed to serve future generations. We are not only restoring ecosystems but also ensuring access to marine and island resources for traditional practices and cultural perpetuation,” expressed Michael Nahoʻopiʻi, Executive Director, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission.

“Congratulations to the 2025 Blue Parks,” Dr. Lance Morgan said. “To achieve the 30×30 target, we not only need more protected areas, but we need those areas to effectively protect wildlife and deliver the conservation benefits that will support coastal communities. Blue Parks are incredible models of success, and the teams of ocean champions behind these efforts inspire us all.”

Cocos Island National Park (Costa Rica) was also recognized during the event for its conservation improvements. It earned a platinum-level Blue Park Award this year after originally earning a gold-level award in 2019.

Five other Blue Parks were recognized during the event for having maintained the Blue Park Standard for over five years: Tubbataha Reef Natural Park (Philippines), Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve (France), Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary (Tanzania), Misool Marine Reserve (Indonesia), and Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area (Italy).

Caño Island Biological Reserve (Costa Rica) was recognized as the newest Blue Spark in collaboration with MigraMar, a non-profit organization dedicated to research and conservation of marine migratory species.

The Blue Parks initiative highlights that the quality of protection, not quantity alone, is critical for the 30x30 target to achieve biodiversity conservation and restore ocean health.

Press Kit & Media Resources

About Blue Parks

The Blue Park Awards, established by Marine Conservation Institute in 2017, recognize marine protected areas that meet science-based standards for effective conservation. Blue Parks safeguard biodiversity, promote ecosystem resilience, and protect the natural beauty of our ocean for future generations.

About Marine Conservation Institute

Founded in 1996, Marine Conservation Institute is a U.S.-based nonprofit working globally to secure strong protection for at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Through scientific research, policy advocacy, and initiatives like the Blue Parks and Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas.org), the organization works to ensure that ocean protection is both meaningful and lasting.

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Our National Heritage at Stake: Monuments & Sanctuaries Under Fire in 2025

Marine Conservation Institute — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:36:02 +0000

Article

photo: Cristina Mittermeier

By Marine Conservation Institute | April 18, 2025

One of the largest strongly protected ocean reserves is the latest target of the U.S. administration. While the rest of the world rallies around protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 to recover wildlife populations and turn the tide on decades of destructive treatment of the ocean, the word from Washington is to double down on environmental degradation.

In an Executive Order signed by the President on April 17^th, the administration has rolled back conservation measures restricting commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. This order will be challenged in court as another in a string of actions that will likely be found to be unlawful.

The Monument, first designated by President G. W. Bush in 2009 to protect U.S. marine life and the abundant natural resources in the central Pacific and later expanded by President Obama in 2014, represented a bipartisan commitment to protecting our environment and restoring a healthy ocean. These protections, along with Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (NW Hawaiian Islands) have been examples of U.S. leadership in large scale marine protection and a benchmark for other governments to look to and emulate.

The removal of protections around three U.S. territories, from 50 to 200 nautical miles offshore, is claimed as a nod to commercial fishing interests in these areas. However, this Executive Order will not provide any gain for fisheries. In fact, it is likely to further deplete populations that support the fishermen, leading only to a long-term loss of livelihoods and biodiversity. There is only minimal—if any—political gain, while exacerbating long-term setbacks to mitigate the larger biodiversity and climate crises. During the nearly 15 years of protection, no decline in commercial catch has been observed. Together, these zones accounted for just 0.4% and 3.1% of the US purse seine fleet landings in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of American Samoa and these territories prior to 2014. This de minimus amount was easily replaced by the tuna fleet that has consistently reached its quota without accessing the expanded monument in the last decade.

In his first term, the President made no effort to roll back monuments, which are designated by presidents using The Antiquities Act. This act has been used on a bipartisan basis over the years to create both terrestrial and marine monuments to protect important areas of the U.S. for future generations. Now, for the first time, an administration is choosing to reduce the amount of protection instead of expanding it. The current undoing of environmental protections will drop the area of highly protected U.S. Waters by one third and global coverage by 0.3%. We expect the current administration will continue efforts undermine to safeguard the environment.

Through their efforts to isolate the U.S. both economically and strategically, the harm caused by this administration to this country’s former role as a global leader in the environmental movement is dangerous and destabilizing.

We will continue the fight for strong protection of our ocean and the diversity of life that sustains us all.

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2025 Blue Park Award Nominees

Marine Conservation Institute — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:58:13 +0000

2025 Blue Park Nominees: Leading the Charge for Ocean Conservation

Your Voice Matters

Introducing the 2025 Blue Park Award Nominees

By Marine Conservation Institute | January 27, 2025

The Blue Park Awards celebrate marine protected areas (MPAs) that stand out as leaders in ocean conservation. These nominees represent promising candidates for one of the most prestigious recognitions in marine protection. They have demonstrated potential to meet the rigorous Blue Park Standard, a science-based benchmark for effective and lasting conservation.

Over the coming weeks, these nominees will undergo a thorough evaluation process, including public comments and a detailed review by our Science Council of 30 international experts. This process ensures that each Blue Park Award recipient represents the highest standards in protecting marine biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, and fostering resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Review a 2025 Blue Park Nominee

[The comment period is now closed.]

Meet the 2025 Blue Park Nominees

Shark Fin Bay MPA Network, Philippines

Situated in northern Palawan, this 7.6 km² network of four MPAs safeguards tropical coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that host blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and the endangered napoleon wrasse. Managed by the local communities and Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, Shark Fin Bay MPA Network highlights how community-driven conservation restores ecosystems critical for biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Photo: Sulubaaï Foundation

Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, Colombia

Covering 603 km² in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Gorgona Natural National Park protects tropical coral reefs essential for species like humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. The surrounding waters serve as breeding and calving grounds, supporting regional biodiversity. Managed by Colombia’s National Natural Parks authority, the park fosters conservation, education, and research while preserving its ecological and cultural importance.

Photo: Creative Commons

Parque Nacional Cahuita, Costa Rica

Cahuita National Park, established in 1970, spans 224 km² of marine area on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. Renowned for its coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, it supports tropical fish, sea turtles, and manatees. Co-managed by the local community of Cahuita and Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas, Cahuita balances biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism, and food security.

Photo: Hans Hillewaert

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve, United States

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve encompasses the entire island and its surrounding waters, preserving coral reefs, algal beds, and sandy beaches critical to Hawaii’s marine biodiversity. Endemic species thrive here, supported by restoration efforts led by the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission. Blending traditional Hawaiian practices with modern conservation, the reserve restores ecosystems while honoring its deep cultural significance.

Photo: Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

Estação Ecológica de Tamoios, Brazil

Located in Ilha Grande Bay, Tamoios Ecological Station protects marine and coastal habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. These ecosystems support diverse marine life, including endangered species like the Guiana dolphin. Managed by Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, ICMBio), Tamoios promotes biodiversity preservation, facilitates scientific research, and protects traditional communities in this vital region.

Photo: ICMBio

What Happens Next?

The journey to becoming a Blue Park begins here. Public comments are a vital part of the evaluation process, allowing us to incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure a transparent review. Your insights can help identify key strengths or areas for improvement in these nominees.

Following the public comment period, our Science Council will conduct an in-depth assessment to determine which nominees meet the Blue Park Standard. Awardees will join a growing global network of 30 Blue Parks that protect over 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean.

Why It Matters

The ocean is at a tipping point. It faces mounting threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. By recognizing and supporting MPAs that deliver measurable conservation outcomes, the Blue Park Awards are driving global progress toward protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Blue Parks aren’t just symbols of success—they’re a call to action. They demonstrate that protecting the ocean is possible, impactful, and essential for the health of our planet.

How You Can Help

Review and Comment on the Nominees [Comment period is now closed]
Learn More About Blue Parks
Nominate an MPA for Future Awards

Every comment you provide brings us closer to ensuring these MPAs fulfill their promise. Together, we can create a future where the ocean thrives.

Review a 2025 Blue Park Nominee

[The comment period is now closed.]

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Blue Parks in Action: How Small Grants Have Made a Big Impact for Marine Conservation

Marine Conservation Institute — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:00:01 +0000

Article

By Marine Conservation Institute | November 15, 2024

Across the globe, marine protected area (MPA) managers and local stewards are the frontline protectors of our ocean, but they often lack the resources to act against the threats they face. That's where our Blue Parks Small Grants come in. In 2023, we provided targeted funding to MPAs, supporting initiatives to enhance monitoring against climate change and pollution, engage local communities through education and stewardship, limit negative effects from tourism, and equip ranger teams with essential resources. These grants were made possible with support from Blue.

Now, in 2024, we’re excited to share the results and stories from these projects, showcasing how these grants have empowered local efforts to strengthen marine conservation where it’s needed most.

Stories from the Field: 2023 Grantees and Their Impact

Each project supported by the 2023 Blue Parks Small Grants reveals the unique challenges that MPAs face and the creative solutions their caretakers develop. From coastal mangroves to coral reef sanctuaries to temperate kelp forests, these grants empowered local stewards to deepen their conservation impact. Here’s how each grantee is bringing our ocean closer to a future of resilience and balance

Apo Reef Natural Park (Philippines)

With their $2,000 small grant, managers at Apo Reef are now equipped with a new horizontal water sampler, which allows them to monitor water quality with precision near busy navigation routes—a critical task given the threat of pollution. Previously reliant on makeshift equipment, the more efficient sampler allows rangers to collect accurate data from multiple new sites, supporting timely interventions. With remaining funds, they installed Starlink internet, transforming how the rangers communicate with mainland managers and allowing for rapid, real-time responses to emerging threats.

Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary (Tanzania)

With their $6,000 grant, the team at Chumbe Island upgraded their capacity to monitor environmental conditions with new pH and conductivity loggers and an underwater camera. This equipment enabled them to quickly identify and manage the impacts of a recent coral bleaching event. Beyond monitoring, the team is inspiring local stewardship and future conservationists by inviting local students to explore coral reef ecology through hands-on learning with the data loggers and new imaging tools.

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve (Kenya)

Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with REEFolution and other local stakeholders, used its $6,000 grant to strengthen community bonds with the park, establishing a Project Implementation Committee and organizing restoration activities like mangrove planting, beach clean-ups, and monthly joint patrols. These efforts have bolstered local participation in the MPA and reduced non-compliance, fostering a community that sees itself as protector of the marine environment.

Misool Marine Reserve (Indonesia)

The Misool Foundation, in coordination with the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority (BLUD), used a $4,000 grant to help launch a pilot Tourism Management System. The system is aimed at controlling tourism impacts across the reserve, managing visitor flow so that delicate coral reefs aren’t overwhelmed by divers. The upgrades to ranger facilities and a new radio system allow for seamless coordination, providing both rangers and visitors with an organized, eco-friendly diving experience. Lessons learned from this pilot program will inform similar programs across the Raja Ampat Islands MPA Network.

Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park (Colombia)

In collaboration with the Conservation and Recovery of Strategic Ecosystems of Colombia Foundation (CORECOL), and with a $4,000 grant, Old Providence’s management team launched the ‘Mangrove Community Rangers’ team. This group of local community members has pursued a waste collection campaign to restore the vitality of the park’s mangroves. In their first event, the team removed over 400 kg of trash from the mangroves. The initiative has sparked community pride and brought together residents to protect their mangrove ecosystem.

Piedra del Viento Marine Sanctuary (Chile)

Fundación Rompientes, the organization that has facilitated the designation and community-led management of Piedra del Viento, put its $6,000 grant towards designing an innovative mobile classroom to bring environmental education directly to communities near the sanctuary. Though construction is on hold as they seek additional funding, the classroom’s educational materials have already been introduced at local events, sparking curiosity and environmental awareness among young learners.

Lessons Learned, Next Steps

Reflecting on the inaugural year of Blue Parks Small Grants, the 2023 cycle highlighted the high demand for resources in MPA management and the positive impacts that small grants can make for these dedicated MPA teams. These grants proved crucial in bridging funding gaps, enabling MPAs to undertake projects they might otherwise delay or abandon.

As we continue refining the Blue Parks Small Grants program, our objective remains clear: empower MPAs that will conserve biodiversity for the long haul. By focusing on initiatives that strengthen compliance, monitoring, community engagement, and effective management, we aim to elevate marine protection standards worldwide.

Amplify Ocean Impact: Support Blue Park Small Grants

To continue supporting MPAs like these in 2024 and beyond, make a direct impact on global biodiversity conservation and marine protection by donating to our Blue Park Small Grants. Every contribution helps frontline defenders preserve ocean ecosystems, safeguard local communities, and protect our planet’s natural heritage.

Support Blue Park Small Grants Today!

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Falling Short of Potential: Transforming Mediterranean MPAs

Marine Conservation Institute — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:13:33 +0000

Article

By Sabrina Croft | October 31, 2024

The Mediterranean Sea is a vast treasure trove of diverse marine species, and it has played host to much of the history and ever-changing culture of the peoples inhabiting its shores. Unfortunately, as is the case with many ocean treasures, this ecosystem is under threat. The Mediterranean is home to a critically endangered population of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus),¹ an endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) population,² and a declining abundance of Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica),³ among many other unique and threatened species.

The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (formerly the Barcelona Convention) is the leading international agreement to protect biodiversity in this sea.⁴ This agreement calls for the protection of at least 30% of marine areas by 2030 (also known as ‘30x30’) in accordance with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As a result, 9.12% of Mediterranean waters are now contained in designated MPAs.^5,6 This coverage does not approach the target, and beneath its surface lies an even less encouraging reality.

Atlantic bluefin tuna. Photo from Oceana Marine Life Encyclopedia.

Paper Parks: The Status Quo

The reality of Mediterranean MPAs is that few of them employ strong protections that will deliver conservation outcomes. A 2019 World Wildlife Fund report found that most Mediterranean MPAs were ‘paper parks.’³ Paper parks are legally established environmental protection zones lacking sufficient enforcement, funding, or planning to effectively halt biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. In essence, they are MPAs that exist only on paper, not in practice. Many Mediterranean MPAs exemplify this issue, showing only moderate levels of environmental health based on biological indicators.⁷ The indicators with the lowest values were canopy and erect algae cover, with fish, turf, and barren indicators also lowering the Mediterranean’s protection value.⁷MPAs in the Adriatic, Aegean, and Ionian Seas are in the poorest relative state, due to reasons varying from low enforcement to lack of robust protections for specific ecosystem components.⁷ Suffice it to say, an epidemic of paper parks is hindering conservation progress across the Mediterranean.

The Flaws that Make a Paper Park

One of the primary problems with many Mediterranean MPAs is the lack of a science-based management plan. According to the WWF’s 2019 study, only 2.48% of Mediterranean MPAs had a management plan, and 1.27% effectively implemented said plans (see Figure 1).³ Even in countries with a higher number of MPAs, such as Spain and Croatia, MPAs tend to lack planning and enforcement for conservation goals, including European Union-recognized Natura 2000 sites.³ As highlighted in the Blue Park Standard, identifying biodiversity threats and developing action plans to minimize those threats is important for conservation outcomes, as is monitoring for outcomes.⁸ Without clear management plans and the capacity to execute said plans, conserving marine biodiversity is dead in the water, even for officially designated MPAs.

Figure 1. Percent MPA coverage, marine area with management plan, and implemented management plan across the Mediterranean Sea by country. (Source: Gomei et al. 2019)

Going hand-in-hand with explicit management plans, Mediterranean MPA regulations are typically weak. MPAs must limit extractive activities and other ecosystem-damaging activities to reliably produce biodiversity conservation outcomes, which is one of the essential requirements of a Blue Park.⁸ Less than 2% of Mediterranean MPAs are fully or highly protected, while 48% are minimally protected and 24% are incompatible with biodiversity conservation.⁹ When extractive and industrial activities are allowed in MPAs, biodiversity suffers.

Compounding these issues, Mediterranean MPAs frequently favor fisheries-based monitoring and neglect ecosystem level monitoring. Mediterranean MPAs tend to hyperfocus on rocky-littoral fish assemblages that are relevant to fisheries, neglecting important ecological variability in fish (and other) populations as well as prior baseline data to measure MPA effects against.¹⁰ Without consistent hypothesis-based monitoring of diverse ecological metrics, there is no certainty in the effectiveness of these MPAs.¹⁰ The fisheries-first priorities of most Mediterranean MPAs ignore ecological complexities and make MPA effectiveness impossible to verify, even if conservation is achieved. With shortcomings such as these, the wide gap of Mediterranean MPAs achieving effective conservation is more clearly understood.

Stories of Hope

All is not lost, however. Despite the shortcomings of most Mediterranean MPAs, there are standout examples of conservation done right. There are three Blue Parks in Mediterranean waters: Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls in France (Silver 2018), Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto in Italy (Silver 2019), and Nacionalni Park Brijuni in Croatia (Gold 2021). Each of these MPAs has met the rigorous, science-based Blue Park Standard for conservation effectiveness and serve as examples for other Mediterranean MPAs.

The momentum exists for better MPA management in the Mediterranean, as fishers and other stakeholders recognize their responsibility to participate in marine conservation through MPA planning.^11,12 As MPA success stories spread, so too will the public desire to mobilize efforts for creating quality MPAs that benefit marine life and humans.

Exemplary EU MPAs that Mediterranean MPAs can model include the aforementioned Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve and the Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Azores (RAMPA). These MPAs employ strong regulations, effective management planning, and monitoring intended for adaptive management.
Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve not only achieves the Blue Park Standard with its strong regulations and extensive, well-executed management plan, but the management team also regularly evaluates their own progress and adapts as needed. Currently, the Reserve is undergoing an expansion to at least double the current protected surface area, an addition of 600 hectares, in hopes of achieving France’s 30x30 target.¹³ This expansion was motivated by the success of the MPA’s biodiversity conservation, given its international recognition by the IUCN alongside Blue Parks.¹³ Cerbère-Banyuls Marie Reserve’s conservation progress is adaptive, as shown by expanding its strongly protected coverage for the benefit Mediterranean biodiversity.

RAMPA is a recently designated Atlantic MPA network.¹⁴ It has been explicitly planned to protect a total of 30% of the Azores marine area, with clearly defined zoning for highly and fully protected zones.¹⁵ Rigorous scientific expeditions in 2016 and 2018 identified vital marine species beyond targeted fish and habitats across the area and the water column, including a newly discovered hydrothermal vent field, providing a well-informed basis for the revised MPA network.¹⁵ RAMPA’s vision exemplifies the science-based management that is needed for proper biodiversity conservation. If MPAs like RAMPA and Cerbère-Banyuls can succeed, then it is high time other Mediterranean MPAs follow their example to draft and implement management plans, threat mitigation, and monitoring.

Image of a vent in the Luso hydrothermal vent field, located within RAMPA. Photo by © ROV Luso, Portuguese Task Force for the Extension of the Continental Shelf.

Writing the Mediterranean's Next Chapter

Effective MPAs in Mediterranean waters are possible and are a first step towards better MPA implementation elsewhere. If the EU can improve MPAs under their jurisdiction, it could lead the charge for improved MPAs throughout including North Africa and the Middle East. The Mediterranean Sea has hosted a rich history, from carrying ships of armies bound for Troy to Afro-European trade. Yet the twenty first century must be defined by the recognition and protection of its marine life by surrounding national governments and stakeholders. From seagrass meadows to deep-sea communities, from sea sponges to fin whales, the Mediterranean is a biodiversity hotspot that is long overdue for the quality MPAs it needs.

References:

Aguilar, A. et Lowry, L. (2010) Monachus monachus (Mediterranean assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010. Retrieved September 2024 from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/13653/4305567.
Di Natale, A. et al. (2011) Thunnus thynnus (Mediterranean assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011. Retrieved September 2024 from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21860/9330380.
Gomei, M. et al. (2021) [original 2019]. Towards 2020: how Mediterranean countries are performing to protect their sea, p. 7.
European Environment Agency (2015) Marine Protected Areas in European Seas, pp. 19-20.
Marine Conservation Institute. (2024). MPAtlas. Seattle, WA. MPAtlas.org. (Accessed: 16/10/2024)
UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) [via MPAtlas, 10-2024], Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. Current dataset available at: protectedplanet.net.
Fraschetti, S. et al. (2022) An integrated assessment of the Good Environmental Status of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas. Journal of Environmental Management 305:114370.
Marine Conservation Institute (2022) Blue Park Criteria: 2022, pp. 23, 25.
Aminian-Biquet, J. et al (2024) Over 80% of the European Union’s marine protected area only marginally regulates human activity. One Earth 7:1614-1629.
Fraschetti, S. et al. (2002) Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea: Objectives, Effectiveness and Monitoring. Marine Ecology 23:190-200.
Di Cintio, A. et al. (2024) Investigating artisanal fishers’ support for MPAs: Evidence from the Tuscan Archipelago (Mediterranean Sea). Marine Policy 167:106260.
Intoni, G. S. et al. (2024) Public perceptions of marine protected areas: an Italian study. Journal of Coastal Conservation 28:54.
Cadene, F. et Hartmann, V. (2022) Plan de gestion 2023-2032 de la RNMCB – Section A – Diagnostic de la RNMCB: informations générales, environnement, biodiversité, cadre socioéconomique et culturel, vocation à accueillir le public et intérêt pédagogique, pp. 1, 14.
Blue Azores (2024) Azores Establishes Largest Marine Protected Area Network In North Atlantic. Retrieved October 2024 from https://www.blueazores.org/azores-amp-rede.
Blue Azores (2023) Blue Azores: Facts and Figures, pp. 3, 5, 10.

The post Falling Short of Potential: Transforming Mediterranean MPAs appeared first on Marine Conservation Institute.

2024 Blue Parks Small Grants Awarded to Six Marine Conservation Projects

Marine Conservation Institute — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 21:55:40 +0000

Press Release

By Marine Conservation Institute | October 15, 2024

[Seattle, USA, 15 October 2024] – Marine Conservation Institute is excited to announce the six recipients of the 2024 Blue Parks Small Grants. These grants support projects that enhance marine protected areas (MPAs) and strengthen conservation outcomes. All recipients are members of the Blue Parks Network and are dedicated to preserving critical ocean ecosystems for future generations.

Hermandad Marine Reserve (Ecuador)

The grant will fund the purchase of four new laptops to support real-time surveillance operations. With these resources, staff will analyze and respond to data on suspicious activities, leading to more effective enforcement and protection of the marine ecosystem.

Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (Colombia)

Biodiversity Conservation Colombia, which manages the 'Silky' initiative for patrols and conservation at Malpelo, will use the grant to purchase essential equipment. This will enhance enforcement monitoring and enable the removal of ghost fishing gear to protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

Shark Fin Bay MPA Network (Philippines)

The Sulubaai Environmental Foundation will implement a pilot community-based aquaculture project to support food security and alternative livelihoods for local fishers. The project aims to provide economic stability while raising awareness of sustainable practices and ecosystem protection.

Misool Marine Reserve (Indonesia)

The grant will support the community-based Reef Restoration Project, which educates and empowers local communities to restore and manage coral reefs. These reefs are vital breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Palau National Marine Sanctuary (Palau)

The Palau International Coral Reef Center will organize interactive sessions with a research team aboard their vessel for offshore expeditions. By connecting communities to this unique ecosystem, they hope to foster appreciation and support for the sanctuary's protection and management.

Siete Pecados Marine Park (Philippines)

This grant will fund the construction of a strategically placed lifeguard tower, providing staff with an aerial view of the marine park. The tower will improve park regulation enforcement and visitor safety monitoring.

Dr. Sarah Hameed, Director of the Blue Parks initiative at Marine Conservation Institute, expressed excitement about the selected projects, stating, "We are thrilled to support these outstanding protected areas and their hardworking management teams in their critical work to protect marine life. Their innovative projects and dedication to marine conservation are inspiring, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

The Blue Parks Small Grants program encourages innovations and improvements in MPA conservation outcomes, working closely with recipients as part of Marine Conservation Institute’s broader Blue Parks initiative. This initiative sets a global benchmark for MPA quality through the Blue Park Standard, rewarding governments and managers with annual awards and supporting marine conservation efforts through Blue Spark collaborations. Blue Parks Small Grants are supported by Blue.

For more information about Blue Parks, visit: https://marine-conservation.org/blueparks/.

Blue Park Small Grant recipients.

About Blue Parks

Blue Park Awards were established by Marine Conservation Institute to encourage high-quality marine protected areas (MPAs) that safeguard marine wildlife, secure critical habitats, promote resilience, and preserve the inspiring beauty of our oceans for future generations. The effort aims to assemble an effective network that sustains marine life and ecosystems globally. MPAs that meet science-based criteria for conservation effectiveness earn Blue Park Awards—there are currently 30 MPAs that have earned this distinction.

In addition to awarding new Blue Parks, Marine Conservation Institute has launched collaborations—Blue Sparks—with groups planning new MPAs and upgrading existing MPAs in the U.S., Mexico, Chile, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mozambique, Palau, and the Philippines to ensure their efforts result in future Blue Parks.

The Blue Parks initiative is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UN Ocean Decade).

About Marine Conservation Institute

Marine Conservation Institute, founded in 1996, works in the U.S. and globally to seek strong protection for at least 30% of the ocean by 2030—for us and future generations. Our focus on protecting the ocean’s most important places follows several lines of work: identifying and advocating for strong marine protected areas; improving laws and other tools to better conserve marine biodiversity; catalyzing effective conservation by recognizing and elevating the best marine protected areas as Blue Parks; and accurately reporting on global conservation efforts through our Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas.org).

Press Kit

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