Topic

Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be open to sustainable resource use, or closed to certain activities (purse seine fishing, trawling, diving, etc.) or to all activities.

Photo: Akdeniz Koruma Vakfı Arşivi

Definition: Areas designated for the protection of marine species and ecosystems.

At a glance

Areas designated for the protection of marine species and ecosystems.
Representing healthy seas, these areas, under effective management, protect natural and cultural values and support local economies, ensuring that they are passed on to future generations.
Although this target has not been met, as of 2020 there are 1,215 Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Basin.
Although Mediterranean countries are making efforts to increase the number of MPAs, only 1.273% of MPAs in the Mediterranean have an effective protection mechanism.

1215
Number of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean Basin (2020): %8,3
Coverage reached by these areas in 2020: %1,273
Share of MPAs with an effective protection mechanism

About

These areas are established in order to protect marine species and ecosystems. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be open to sustainable resource use, closed to certain activities (such as drag net fishing, trawling, diving, etc.) or completely closed to all activity. These areas are representative of healthy marine ecosystems. Under efficient management, MPA’s can support local economies and preserve local natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

%10Target of designating important habitats as marine protected areas (2020 global biodiversity targets)

Benefits of Marine Protected Areas

Protects marine life
Supports local economies
Protects fish stocks
Seagrass is a natural solution to combat climate change
Seagrass controls levels of shoreline erosion
Shores are naturally purified
Offers alternative avenues to mass tourism, thanks to historic, cultural, and natural heritage
Conservation of marine heritage guarantees the future of tourism
Abundant nature, clean seas and shores contribute to local tourism
Ensures access to safe foods
Preserves local cultures and traditional ways of life
Precautions are taken for healthy auditing and management.

Marine Protected Areas