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Deep-Sea Exploration - Aquatic Research |Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs)| A marine protected area (MPA) is exactly what it sounds
like it would be. It is an area, within the marine setting, that
is, in some way, protected from certain human activity. Though
it sounds quite simple, systems and designations of MPAs are
quite complex and confusing (including that of the United
States). There are differing levels of MPAs – some areas allow
certain activities, like recreational fishing, while others do
not. Even finding out if a certain area near you is designated
as an MPA is quite a challenge. Most MPAs are small – less than
1 km2 – and you probably have been to one without even knowing!
The term “marine protected area” is quite broad; MPAs can take
different forms and include different levels of protection for
various areas and/or animals. The basic criterion is that some
restriction has been created regarding the contact humans can
have with the organi