Why Marine Protected Areas Matter to Divers

Popular diving locations tend to be centered around marine biodiversity hotspots. The unique landscapes of coral reefs and mass congregations of marine leviathans draw divers like prey to a frogfish lure. These same spots usually have a history of local livelihoods like fishing, and few locations exist where there is no conflict between these two industries.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are parts of the ocean where certain activities are restricted benefit both divers and fishers, creating a permanent pool of marine resources that then seed and replenish heavily used areas.

The term "Marine Protected Area" is an umbrella term, and may refer to a variety of regualations and restrictions. Unfortuantely, a misunderstanding of the rules and regulations that surround MPAs can lead to a volatile relationship between the diving industry and other local livelihoods using reefs and other ecosystems. Here we cover some useful tips that you can use to promote these fantastic resources for more collaborative efforts for protecting valuable marine life.

One MPA Does Not Fit All

The term "Marine Protected Area" does not have a standard set of rules associated with it. It is used to describe designated areas of open or coastal waters where certain activities are restricted. Some MPAs are also called sanctuaries or reserves. They may dictate a complete no-take zone, or only allow certain fishing activities such as hook and line, or the fishing of certain species. They may restrict diving and snorkeling activities, or only have seasonal restrictions for both. Take the time to research the rules of your specific location, and ask your local guides for more information.

You Usually Have to Pay to Get In to an MPA, and That’s Okay!

In fact, your payments are often what sustains the protection of that area, and are one of the most positive contributions a diver can make to local communities. Your fees can be used to fund the salaries of guards for the MPA, or subsidise alternative livelihoods for fishers. Unfortunately, in many developing countries the route the money takes from your pocket to actual marine protection isn’t always clear. It’s important to remember that simply having legislation that dictates a fee system is a big positive towards local governments understanding their role in marine protection. The system to fund environmental protection is in place, the next step is to ensure it is being used that way. If you are concerned about how an MPA is being managed, take action and write to the local government and show them the demand for better management.

Only 2% of the Ocean Is Protected, and That’s Not Enough

Compared to the current 12% protection of terrestrial ecosystems, 2% is a diabolical figure. And, it was only the designation of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument by the US that took us into the 2%. There are exciting times ahead, as many international conventions such as the IUCN World Parks Congress in 2014 have united governments and conservationists with a promise to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2020. On the back of this, the UK government announced the largest continuous marine protected area in the world around the Pitcairn Islands.

Protecting the Ocean From the Sky

Tools like GIS and remote sensing are often employed to map and analyse MPAs. You can even see a map of all the MPAs in the world online. With many MPAs existing in remote areas of the ocean, enforcement of MPA regulations can be difficult. The new Pitcairn designation comes hand in hand with the development of satellite technology that can detect illegal fishing activity in real time. Nicknamed Project Eyes of the Sea, this virtual watch room is already flagging suspicious activities in the waters surrounding Easter Island, a Chilean territory, and the Pacific island nation of Palau.

Your Dive Matters

It is easy to think of MPAs on a grand scale, but the smaller marine protected areas you dive are just as important. Protected ecosystems serve as "sources" of coral and fish larvae that will continue to pump out replacements for populations both near and far. The way you dive in an MPA has a direct link to it’s effectivity!

Minimising direct diver damage to reefs is one of the many significant ways the diving industry can help to take marine conservation to the next level.  If divers can help to monitor MPAs or species that reside there, even better. The diving industry has one of the loudest voices when it comes to marine protection and we can use that to help drive our governments to reaching that essential 30% protection!