Fact Sheets

Here are fact sheets that describe the work and projects of the National Marine Protected Areas Center.

About MPAs

• U.S. MPA Classification System (2011)
• Marine Reserves in the United States (2014)

National System of MPAs

• Analysis of National System Members (March 2012) 
• Benefits of a National System of Marine Protected Areas (2008)
• Joining the National System of MPAs: Frequently Asked Questions (2015)
• SPAW Protocol: Listing U.S. MPAs in the Wider Caribbean (2012)

Data and Analysis

• Marine Protected Areas and Recreational Fishing (2011)
• Marine Protected Areas and Wildlife Hotspots in the California Current (2011)
• Snapshot of Gulf of Mexico MPAs (2011)
• Snapshot of Great Lakes MPAs (2011)
• Snapshot of NOAA's Fisheries Service MPAs (2011)
• Ocean Uses in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (2012)
• Spatial Analysis and Resource Characterization Tool (2012)

Science and Stewardship

• Cultural Heritage Resources and Marine Protected Areas (2011)
• Linking IOOS to the National System of Marine Protected Areas (2008)
• Do Fish Swim In and Out of MPAs? (2010)
• Do No-Take Marine Reserves Benefit Adjacent Fisheries? (2011)

Others

• National Wildlife Refuge Marine Protected Areas 2011)
• Marine Protected Area Resources and Concepts for Teaching Ocean Literacy (2012)