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MPA Science

  > Science & Stewardship  >  MPA Science


Scientific understanding of MPAs is growing rapidly. Research has shown that MPAs are effective at increasing the abundance and diversity of marine life within their boundaries. In order to gain support from and build trust with MPA stakeholders, it is imperative that MPA managers and planners use the best available science in designing and managing MPAs.

MPAs and Fisheries Science

MPAs have been used for decades to manage the nation's marine resources and to conserve both ecosystems and fisheries production. There are still many questions relating to the effectiveness of MPAs at meeting fisheries and/or biodiversity conservation goals.

To address these questions, the National Marine Protected Areas Center is developing a series of "MPA Science Briefs." Summarizing recent scientific studies about MPA effectiveness, these briefs are intended to provide an explanation of some of the most frequently asked questions about the science of marine protected areas.

In 2011, The MPA Center co-sponsored a special symposium on MPAs and Fisheries Management at the American Fisheries Society meeting.  Many of these abstracts were published in Fisheries Research journal in 2013.  Below is summary of the key findings from the journal articles.

MPA Science Briefs

2012 2011