MPA = Marine Protected Area

Marine protected areas (MPAs) conserve, manage, and protect. In the U.S.  they come in a variety of forms and are established and managed by all levels of government. There are marine sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves, ocean parks, and marine wildlife refuges. Each of these sites differ. MPAs may be established to protect ecosystems, preserve cultural resources such as shipwrecks and archaeological sites, or sustain fisheries production.

Learn more about why they matter on this informative video from Oceana.