The Importance of Marine Protected Areas Designed To Protect Against Climate Change

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses marine protected areas (MPAs) and their importance in preserving the ocean. He explores the concept of designing MPAs for both representative and distinctive areas, highlighting the need to protect not only expected habitats but also unique ecosystems like upwellings and gyres. The episode also touches on the goal of protecting 30% of land and ocean by 2030 and the role of MPAs in addressing climate change.

Tune in to learn more about the evolving approach to designing MPAs and how they contribute to a better ocean.

The episode highlights the significance of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 as part of the decade of the ocean. It emphasizes that all countries committed to this goal should have 30% of their exclusive economic zone safeguarded by the end of the decade. The episode stresses the need to protect the right areas for the right reasons, taking into account climate change and its impacts when designing marine protected areas (MPAs). It argues for prioritizing MPAs with higher resilience to climate change to ensure long-term protection. The episode also emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding these areas, rather than reactive responses to climate change. It acknowledges the cost and resources required for designing and implementing MPAs, urging governments to allocate sufficient funding for their establishment. The episode concludes by urging listeners to share it with others who could benefit from learning about marine protected areas and emphasizes the urgency of meeting the 30% protection target by 2030.

According to the episode, marine protected areas (MPAs) are effective in environmental protection when properly designated and managed. The host mentions that MPAs can regulate fishing and prohibit extractive activities within their boundaries, safeguarding biodiversity and commercially viable fishery species. The effectiveness of MPAs has been documented in peer-reviewed journals. However, it is crucial to ensure proper management to prevent any extractive activities. The episode also highlights that MPAs are a significant tool in ocean conservation and can be planned similarly to land areas. The traditional approach to designating MPAs has evolved, with a focus on selecting areas that meet biodiversity criteria, including genetic diversity, species populations, and habitat diversity. The episode also mentions the importance of considering the impacts of climate change on MPAs and conducting further research to identify the best areas for future protection.

The episode encourages listeners to share it with others who would benefit from learning about marine protected areas. The host emphasizes that marine protected areas are an important tool in the conservation of the ocean and can be used to plan the ocean, just as we plan on land. The host also underscores the need to intensify efforts in protecting marine protected areas, given their cost and time-consuming nature. By sharing the episode, listeners can help raise awareness about the importance of marine protected areas and inspire others to take action in protecting and conserving the ocean.