Have you ever walked around a forest or park, and noticed signs saying things like: “Do not Pick Flowers” or “Do not Feed the Animals”? These signs indicate that the area you are in is being protected from humans. When these protected spaces are in the ocean, they are called marine protected areas. Marine protected areas vary in type, from heavily protected areas, to areas where visitors can use the ocean for recreation. Special rules and regulations protect and conserve underwater habitats, plants, and animals in these areas. Marine protected areas exist all over the world and can result in more and bigger fish, which can lead to a healthier ocean. While it is not easy to create such an area, local community groups, single countries, and even big groups of countries have worked to create marine protected areas, ensuring that their oceans are protected and healthy.
