Marine Protected Areas

Zanzibar coral reef
A coral reef teeming with fish and marine life in Zanzibar. (©Wildlife Conservation Society / Newswise / via press release)

Tanzania Establishes Two Marine Reserves Near Pemba

This move strengthens Tanzania’s contribution to the global “30x30” target—protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030—and demonstrates the country’s commitment to science-based and community-driven conservation. The new MPAs include:

• 70 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, critical for biodiversity;

• 26 km² of seagrass beds supporting fisheries and carbon storage;

• 34 km² of mangrove forest, vital for shoreline protection;

• Habitat for threatened sharks and rays.

MPAs in Liguria: Expedition to Protect the Mediterranean Sea

Red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) in necrosis and covered with mucilage. This species is particularly sensitive to rising temperatures.

Climate change, ocean warming, impacts on marine biodiversity and the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) prompted Greenpeace Italy to embark on an expedition to Liguria in late June 2024. Valentina Di Miccoli, a marine biologist on the expedition, tells the story.

El Hierro's rugged coastline seen from above
El Hierro's rugged coastline seen from above

Spain Declares First Marine National Park on the Island of El Hierro

The marine reserve is located in the Atlantic Ocean at the southwestern tip of the island of El Hierro, the westernmost of the Canary Islands. The area is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity, including sharks, dolphins, tuna, rays and turtles. The waters are calm because they are sheltered from the trade winds, and its tropical nature is home to species not found in the rest of the archipelago. The almost complete kelp cover and the diversity of the seabed support a high level of biodiversity. The area is also an essential habitat for beaked whales.

Nurse sharks mating
Nurse sharks preparing to mate (Harold 'Wes' Pratt / Granted by source)

Proven: Marine Protected Areas Boost Shark Populations

The study, spanning 66 marine reserves across 37 countries worldwide, sheds light on the stark contrast in shark abundance between fully protected zones and areas open to industrial fishing. Reef-dwelling species such as Caribbean reef, grey reef, whitetip reef, and nurse sharks exhibited nearly double the population density within fully protected marine reserves compared to fishing-permitted zones.

The kelp forests within the sanctuary provide habitat for a variety of fishes and other animals.

MPAs: Catalysts for Both Marine Health and Scuba Diving

The findings from UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute provide compelling evidence of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) value to the scuba diving industry and local economies. As global leaders aim to protect 30% of land and water by 2030, understanding the diverse benefits of MPAs is crucial for informed decision-making and sustainable coastal management.

The proposed location of Dubai Reefs. Photo: URB
The proposed location of Dubai Reefs.

Dubai aims to create world's largest artificial reef

The project, which is currently only in the research and development stage, will consist of a series of interconnected islands that will host humans in luxury eco-lodges, surrounded by millions of mangrove trees.

'The 'floating living lab', dubbed Dubai Reefs also aims to create an artificial reef ecosystem below the islands, spanning approximately 200 square kilometres, that will provide a home for one billion corals, as well as turtles, fish and other marine life along the Dubai coastline. 

 

 

Coiba National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine reserve, Coiba National Park is found in the Gulf of Chiriqui in the western region of Panama. Immersed in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, it forms part of the Tropical Eastern Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR).

$20 billion in marine biodiversity commitments announced at ocean conference

At the start of the event, US White House climate envoy and former secretary of state John Kerry said that the meeting was “so incredibly important because it is a conference that is focused on action, not on talk. It’s about real commitments and real solutions.”

Huge sums

Nearly $6 billion in US commitments spread across 77 projects to protect the high seas in 2023 was announced by Kerry, including technical cooperation to foster “green shipping corridors.”

Map of the Mediterranean Sea
Map of the Mediterranean Sea

EU countries to establish large marine protected area in the Mediterranean

“An agreement is being finalized with France, Spain and Cyprus for a large protected area in the extra-territorial waters of the Mediterranean, which is a great contribution to the 30×30 goal,” said Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the Italian environment and energy security minister at the Valore Natura conference in January 2023.