A team of scientists has published a new Marine Protected Area Guide.
In total, 43 scientists representing 39 different institutions from six of the seven continents collaborated on the guide. The work was published on September 9th, 2021, in the journal Science.
The work is meant to be an evolving piece that grows as our knowledge and understanding of marine protected areas grows. The ultimate goal of the work is to provide a scientific basis for the evaluation, monitoring, and planning of MPA’s.
According to co-author of the paper Philippe Cury:
“Marine Protected Areas will not only contribute to protecting marine biodiversity, but will also help mitigate climate change by protecting coastal areas and increasing carbon sequestration by marine organisms. We need healthy ecosystems and living organisms in order to tackle the major challenges that lie ahead.”
While the lead author of the guide, Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, Associate Professor at Oregon State University, added:
“This guide provides the global community with a unified structure, shared language and consistent approach to at last provide an evidence-based understanding of where we stand on ocean protection.”
For more info about the guide, click here.
