Marine protected areas (MPA's)- are regions in which human activity has been placed under some restrictions in the interest of conserving the natural environment, it's surrounding waters and the occupant ecosystems, and any cultural or historical resources that may require preservation or management. Marine Protected Areas' boundaries will include some area of ocean, even if it is only a small fraction of the total area of the territory.
Natural or historic marine resources are protected by local, state, territorial, native, regional, or national authorities and may differ substantially from nation to nation. This variation includes different limitations on development, fishing practices, fishing seasons and catch limits, moorings, bans on removing or disrupting marine life of any kind.
The Philippines boast one of the most biodiversity regions on the entire planet with 464 reef-building coral species but due to overfishing, destructive fishing techniques, and rapid coastal development in recent years, these reefs have suffered a heavy decline in health. As a response, many MPAs have been springing up over the last twenty years with current estimates at about 600 MPAs. However, the majority of these MPAs are poorly (people in the regions either ignore their restrictions or don’t even know of their existence) and as a result are highly ineffective. On the other hand, there are several MPAs in the Philippines that are well known for having an impact on the health of their reefs by enhancing fish biomass, decreasing coral bleaching, and increasing yields in adjacent fisheries. Some notable examples are the MPA surrounding Apo Island and a showcase of Marine Protected Area in Bolinao Pangasinan.
Why do we need Marine Protected Areas MPAs?
Marine Protected Areas are essential for healthy, functioning and resilient ecosystems. They help us deliver the clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.
Some human activities damage or cause disturbance to marine habitats and their species. Within an MPA such activities will be managed or restricted.
Specifically, MPAs help us to:
- Protect and restore the ecosystems in our seas and around our coasts.
- Ensure that the species and habitats found there can thrive and are not threatened or damaged.
- Maintain a diverse range of marine life that can be resistant to changes brought about by physical disturbance, pollution and climate change.
- Provide areas where the public can enjoy a healthy marine environment learn about marine life and enjoy activities such as diving, photography, exploring rock pools and coastal walking.
- Provide natural areas for scientific study.
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