Conservation in Marine Science - Marine Protected Areas

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the various IUCN categories for Marine Protected Areas and specific U.S. marine sanctuary regulations.

Marine reserve (IUCN Category I.a.)

An area where any removal of resources is prohibited (with small exceptions for aboriginal/artisanal use) to conserve outstanding, pristine ecosystems with little human influence.

Marine wilderness area (IUCN Category I.b.)

An area protected to conserve the ecological integrity of natural areas, which should be free of modern infrastructure such as roads, dams, pipelines, or oil platforms.

Point Reyes National Seashore

The site of the first marine wilderness area established in $2012$ to protect oyster beds.

Marine national park (IUCN Category II)

An area with a relatively intact ecosystem managed to protect biodiversity and promote education and recreation; it may allow limited fishing in restricted places.

Marine national monument (IUCN Category III)

An area managed to protect outstanding natural features, historic sites like shipwrecks, cultural sites, or unique geologic formations.

Blue Hole National Monument

A world-renowned dive site in Belize used as an example of an IUCN Category III marine national monument.

Marine habitat/species management areas (IUCN Category IV)

Areas primarily focused on species and habitat protection that allow resource removal under strict management controls, focusing on species with unique significance.

Protected seascape (IUCN Category V)

Coastal areas and associated land of pristine value for scenic or cultural reasons, often featuring unique geologic formations or endemic species assemblages.

Sustainable use of natural resources (IUCN Category VI)

MPAs focusing on the sustainable harvest of ecologically and economically important resources for future generations and preserving important cultural or economic ways of life.

Marine sanctuary

A term used by the U.S. (not an official IUCN category) to protect areas under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of $1972$.

National marine sanctuaries count

There are currently $16$ national marine sanctuaries in U.S. waters, such as Monterey Bay, Florida Keys, and Olympic Coast.

Hallyeohaesang National Park

A Marine National Park located in South Korea used as an example of IUCN Category II.

Apo Island

A location in the Philippines used as an example of an IUCN Category V protected seascape.

Menai Bay Conservation Area

An area in Zanzibar, Tanzania, used as an example of the IUCN Category VI sustainable use of natural resources.