Marine Protected Areas: Static Boundaries in a Changing World

Published Article

United States

Publication date: January 1, 2013

File format: URL

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This report highlights a decade of partnership between The Nature Conservancy and NOAA’s Restoration Center, showcasing innovative coastal restoration projects across the United States. It illustrates how collaborative, science‑based investments have improved coastal habitats, waterways, and ecosystem condition through matched federal, state, and private funding.

Subject Tags

  • Marine protected areas
  • Coastal
  • Climate resilience

Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been identified as one of the most effective tools for conserving marine ecosystems. While the ecological benefits of MPAs are well established, less emphasis has been placed on assessing socioeconomic benefits. Despite these benefits, a majority of existing MPAs are not meeting their objectives. MPAs must be designed and managed specifically to address climate change and other stressors and must be managed adaptively if they are to effectively conserve marine ecosystems and support the needs of human communities.

Citation

Mcleod, E. (2013). Marine protected areas: Static boundaries in a changing world.

TNC Authors

  • Elizabeth Mcleod
    Global Director, Oceans. Global Oceans
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: emcleod@tnc.org