Finding harmony in Marine Protected Area design guidelines

Widespread degradation of marine ecosystems and ecosystem services, coupled with national and global commitments to improve protection of the oceans, has led to a proliferation of efforts to designate new marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA networks. A range of design features must be considered when designating MPAs, including MPA size and shape, level of protection, and the species and habitats protected, and evidence suggests these design elements can be crucial in determining MPA effectiveness. Over the past several decades, expansive literature has emerged providing recommendations for MPA design, and yet collectively these recommendations can be overwhelming and even contradictory for MPA planners. To address this barrier, we reviewed and synthesized 307 unique MPA design recommendations across 56 peer-reviewed and gray literature publications. We created a new set of 24 condensed design guidelines grouped by conservation objectives: ecological spatial connectivity (e.g., genetic, larval, community); habitat representation; species or population persistence; mitigation of and complementarity to human activities; and permanence and adaptability. We then discuss examples of datasets, models, and tools that can be utilized to implement specific guidelines. Our review and novel synthesis can help decision-makers understand and apply MPA design recommendations to achieve desired conservation objectives.

Automated summary

In response to the need for better protection of marine ecosystems, there has been a surge in efforts to establish new marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA networks. Successful MPA design depends on factors such as size, level of protection, and the species and habitats being protected. To assist MPA planners, a review was conducted on 307 MPA design recommendations from various literature sources, resulting in the creation of a condensed set of 24 design guidelines, organized by conservation objectives. Examples of datasets, models, and tools for implementing these guidelines are also provided.