Are there different kinds of MPAs? Can they have different purposes?
MPA is a general term for places given special protections for natural or historic marine resources by local, state, federal or tribal authorities. Some people confuse marine reserves, which are no-take areas, as the only type of MPA. Many MPAs are multiple-use areas, where a variety of uses are allowed. There are many different kinds of MPAs in U.S. waters including national parks, wildlife refuges, monuments and marine sanctuaries, fisheries closures, critical habitat, habitat areas of particular concern, state parks, conservation areas, estuarine reserves and preserves, and numerous others.
