Diversity and multi-functions of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Coral Reefs

Abstract

The diversity and multi-functions of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) in Fiji, Samoa, the Philippines, the Indonesia, Mauritius, and five districts in Okinawa were studied and effective methods to decide MPA size were discussed. The MPAs studied mainly target fisheries resource management. This study confirmed that the MPAs are powerful management tools in the tropics and subtropics. The nature of the MPAs differ greatly whether they are: 1) no-take or less strict, 2) government-initiated or community-based, 3) permanent or temporary, or 4) restricting only certain species or not. The size of the MPAs also varies significantly with multi-purposes such as eco-system conservation or eco-tourism promotion.
The larger the size of a MPA, the better it is for bio-diversity conservation. However, for the fishermen, too large MPA means the reduction of fishing grounds. The eco-tourism use of the MPAs also has potential conflict with fishing and dietary culture. To better balance these objectives, we need quantitative researches on the spillover effect, a process in which the organisms in MPAs spillover outside the MPAs. Simultaneously, with the participation of the fishing communities, the MPAs should be set and improved through “adaptive management”.