National Marine Protected Areas Center: Marine Reserves

Marine Reserves

> About MPAs > MPA Definitions > Marine Reserves

What are marine reserves?

Marine reserves, commonly called "no take" areas, are a type of marine protected area (MPA) that has extensive restrictions on human use. Reserves are typically established to protect sensitive habitats, threatened species, or to restore fisheries, and, no hunting, fishing, or collecting can occur in any reserve. While called “marine”, they actually can be located in both marine and estuarine areas, and in freshwater estuaries along the shores of the Great Lakes.

Marine reserves in the U.S.

There are 223 marine reserves in the U.S. that cover 381,969 square kilmoeters, making up 3.1% of U.S. waters. Approximately 8% of the MPA area in the U.S. is in marine reserves, with 92% designated for multiple uses including fishing and recreation. The marine reserves in the U.S. vary greatly in size, from 363,680 square kilometers (Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii) to 17 square meters (Ohio’s North Pond State Nature Preserve).

What are the benefits of marine reserves?

Reserves protect whole ecosystems and allow them to return toward a more natural and balanced state. When a reserve is established, species in the area that were previously in decline can begin to recover. Biomass increases in the reserve, as does the size and density of organisms and the richness or diversity of species. Because many organisms are mobile, the benefits of the protection can be region-wide through an increased supply of larvae and juveniles moving out of the reserve. Similarly, highly mobile adult animals can be caught when they move outside the reserve, improving commercial and recreational fishing. Reserves can be an effective way to preserve biodiversity by protecting communities and providing refuge for rare organisms.

For more information, download the "Marine Reserves in the United States" fact sheet (pdf, 1.70 mb)

Links:

MPAs Classification
National System of Marine Protected Areas
MPA Inventory
MPA Programs Links
Fact Sheets

For More Information:

Write to mpainfo@noaa.gov

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About MPAs MPA Definition MPA Case Studies MPA Classification MPA Stories	Marine Reserves > About MPAs > MPA Definitions > Marine Reserves What are marine reserves? Marine reserves, commonly called "no take" areas, are a type of marine protected area (MPA) that has extensive restrictions on human use. Reserves are typically established to protect sensitive habitats, threatened species, or to restore fisheries, and, no hunting, fishing, or collecting can occur in any reserve. While called “marine”, they actually can be located in both marine and estuarine areas, and in freshwater estuaries along the shores of the Great Lakes. Marine reserves in the U.S. There are 223 marine reserves in the U.S. that cover 381,969 square kilmoeters, making up 3.1% of U.S. waters. Approximately 8% of the MPA area in the U.S. is in marine reserves, with 92% designated for multiple uses including fishing and recreation. The marine reserves in the U.S. vary greatly in size, from 363,680 square kilometers (Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii) to 17 square meters (Ohio’s North Pond State Nature Preserve). What are the benefits of marine reserves? Reserves protect whole ecosystems and allow them to return toward a more natural and balanced state. When a reserve is established, species in the area that were previously in decline can begin to recover. Biomass increases in the reserve, as does the size and density of organisms and the richness or diversity of species. Because many organisms are mobile, the benefits of the protection can be region-wide through an increased supply of larvae and juveniles moving out of the reserve. Similarly, highly mobile adult animals can be caught when they move outside the reserve, improving commercial and recreational fishing. Reserves can be an effective way to preserve biodiversity by protecting communities and providing refuge for rare organisms. For more information, download the "Marine Reserves in the United States" fact sheet (pdf, 1.70 mb) Links: MPAs Classification National System of Marine Protected Areas MPA Inventory MPA Programs Links Fact Sheets For More Information: Write to mpainfo@noaa.gov (top)

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