CalOceans News

Marine protected areas boost resilience

We hear a lot about the science showing that Marine Protected Areas led to healthy habitat and abundant sea life. A lesser-known but still critical benefit of MPAs is their ability to make the ocean more resilient.

Case in point: a recently completed decade-long study from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. Researchers examining an MPA in the Tortugas, or “Florida’s Yellowstone,” noted the protected waters’ remarkable ability to rebound from overfishing and seasonal
storms. 

Professor Jerry Ault discusses his findings in the video, Taking Stock: Fisheries Studies in the Florida Key Marine Protected Areas.

Tortuga National Park is a remote area in the Florida Keys known for its extensive coral reefs, fish, sharks and marine life. The Tortuga reefs aren’t just recovering from decimation, they’re actually flourishing at surprising rates.  Despite being hit by six major hurricanes in the last eight years, researchers were surprised to find how quickly the MPA has transformed into a rich spawning ground for game fish in the Keys. 

The findings of the study confirm the importance of marine protected areas to ensure a healthy and productive ocean.  It also showcases the incredible ability of the ocean to heal itself after protected areas are established.

• Tags:
• marine protected area
• tortugas marine reserve
• florida keys
• resilience
• ecosystem based management