Addressing Criticisms of Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas

Designated large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs, 100,000 or more square kilometers) constitute over two-thirds of the approximately 6.6% of the ocean and approximately 14.5% of the exclusive economic zones within marine protected areas. Although LSMPAs have received support among scientists and conservation bodies for wilderness protection, regional ecological connectivity, and improving resilience to climate change, there are also concerns. We identified 10 common criticisms of LSMPAs along three themes: (1) placement, governance, and management; (2) political expediency; and (3) social ecological value and cost. Through critical evaluation of scientific evidence, we discuss the value, achievements, challenges, and potential of LSMPAs in these arenas. We conclude that although some criticisms are valid and need addressing, none pertain exclusively to LSMPAs, and many involve challenges ubiquitous in management. We argue that LSMPAs are an important component of a diversified management portfolio that tempers potential losses, hedges against uncertainty, and enhances the probability of achieving sustainably managed oceans.

Fil: O'Leary, Bethan C. University Of York; Reino Unido

Fil: Ban, Natalie C. University of Victoria; Canadá

Fil: Fernandez, Miriam. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile

Fil: Friedlander, Alan M. University of Hawaii at Manoa; Estados Unidos

Fil: Garcia Borboroglu, Jorge Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina

Fil: Golbuu, Yimnang. Palau International Coral Reef Center; Palaos

Fil: Guidetti, Paolo. Universite Nice; Francia

Fil: Harris, Jean M. Ezemvelo Kzn Wildlife; Sudáfrica

Fil: Hawkins, Julie P. University Of York; Reino Unido

Fil: Langlois, Tim. University of Western Australia; Australia

Fil: McCauley, Douglas J. University of California; Estados Unidos

Fil: Pikitch, Ellen K. Stony Brook University; Estados Unidos. University Of York; Reino Unido

Fil: Richmond, Robert H. University Of York; Reino Unido

Fil: Roberts, Callum M. University of Hawaii at Manoa; Estados Unidos