A Marine Protected Area (or MPA) is a delimited area at sea that meets the objectives of nature protection (fauna, flora, ecosystems) and the sustainable development of economic activities such as sustainable fishing and responsible tourism.
Formed into effectively designed and managed networks, MPAs provide refuges for marine flora and fauna, restore important ecological functions (e.g. safeguarding spawning grounds and fish nursery areas) and maintain the production of ecosystem goods and services. These are wise investments for the health of the oceans and the development of the blue economy.