How can marine protected areas benefit coral reefs?
The scientific literature is full of examples of how coral reefs have benefited from establishing effective, well-managed MPAs. Again, based on the objective of the MPA, results have shown the following benefits are possible: • Increased fish density, sizes, and diversity. Larger fish produce more offspring. • Spill-over of adult and juvenile fish into areas outside the protected area. • Increased protection of vulnerable species impacted by even light levels of fishing. An example is the rockfish in the Pacific. • Prevention of habitat loss and damage from impacts such as overfishing, destructive fishing, and impacts from boating and tourism activities. • Protection and restoration of diverse habitats. • Accelerated recovery times from major human and natural impacts (WWF, 14). How can marine protected areas benefit local communities and economies? Achieving social and economic results are as equally important as the environmental benefits since local communities need to see that a MP
