As divers, we often hear the words “marine park”, “national park”, or “marine sanctuary”. Are these areas in which we are not allowed to dive in? Spots that are protected from fishing? Or simply places that are recognised for their biodiversity?

Keep reading to learn about the concept of marine protected areas (MPAs), the issues with implementing them, and what you can do as a diver to help support MPAs!

What is a Marine Protected Area?

Put simply, an MPA is a defined part of nature that is managed so that it can thrive in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and is sustainable in association with local and indigenous values.

MPAs are not the only way to protect the ocean and the species that reside within it, but it is definitely one of the most effective ways to safeguard habitats and revitalise marine biodiversity.

There are many different groupings of MPAs and several different associations that have their own classification levels of MPAs. The MPA Guide created by the Protected Planet Association is the most straightforward and internationally recognised classification of MPA protection levels.

They have four levels; fully protected, highly protected, lightly protected, and minimally protected. These are based on what activities are permitted within the areas and the impact these activities have on the environment. For example, a highly protected area may allow small-scale aquaculture that can help restore ecosystems, whilst any area that permits industrial-scale fishing cannot be considered an MPA.

Scuba diving as a form of eco-tourism is usually allowed in MPAs up to and including highly protected areas - of course pending their level of intrusion. A fully protected MPA is commonly a no-take zone and is exclusively protected for the intrinsic value of the environment (ideally with considerations for local indigenous principles as well).

The issues

To have an effective MPA there needs to be a high level of community engagement, surveillance and enforcement, policies, consequences, training, and sustainable funding. The largest issue is usually funding, however, to have all aspects working seamlessly for a long period of time is a big challenge that faces MPAs and other large-scale environmental conservation efforts.

How can we help?

As recreational divers, we can try to support MPAS and environmental conservation efforts by choosing to dive with eco dive operators when on holiday, practicing responsible diving (be non-invasive and not destructive), and if we can, donate to initiatives that lobby for MPAs or the monitoring of them to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness.

We should also aim to dive within MPAs as they usually charge a fee to enter. This fee typically goes towards maintenance and monitoring of the MPA. By diving in a MPA and paying the park fees, we are also contributing to supporting the establishment of MPAs for marine conservation.

Scuba diving in a biodiverse-rich site is the reason why we go diving. Thus, it is our responsibility to protect these ecosystems and our oceans to safeguard these spaces for generations to come, to protect one of the planet’s most important habitats to maintain the ecological balance in the world, and to build resilience in the face of climate change.

Written by Kayli Wouters

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