Marine Protected Areas: More important than you think

Some people may not know the reasons behind the prohibition of fishing and other activities around some parts of our islands. These marine areas, in which taking certain things or taking nothing at all is enforced, are called Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Marine Protected Areas are parts of our marine environment that are protected by law or regulations from certain activities such as fishing. There are many reasons for establishing MPAs; the main idea behind these establishments is to protect our marine ecosystems so that they are able to replenish, reproduce and become healthier for the future. MPAs are also implemented with conservation of natural and cultural heritage in mind. In reality, “marine protected area” is a term that encompasses a variety of conservation and management methods.

However, there may be some confusion with the variety of names and terms used locally, regionally and nationally. A “marine reserve” is sometimes used in association with, or in place of, “marine protected area.” Marine reserves refer specifically to no-take areas, where removing or destroying natural or cultural resources is prohibited. “Conservation area” or “sanctuary” are other terms used in association with MPAs.

There are six levels of protection: uniform multiple use, zoned multiple use, zoned with no take areas, no take, no impact, and no access. The prevalent protection level in the CNMI is the no-take zone. There are four no-take Marine Protected Areas in the CNMI: Managaha Marine Conservation Area, Forbidden Island Sanctuary, Bird Island Sanctuary, and Sansahaya Bay Fish Reserve (Rota). There are two other MPAs in the CNMI that are not designated as no-take zones, but were established for specific species conservation purposes: Lau Lau Bay Sea Cucumber Sanctuary and Lighthouse Reef Trochus Sanctuary.

Some people may be against the establishments of MPAs because it restricts the activities of fishermen in certain areas; however, although this is a drawback, there are many beneficial outcomes that are produced through the no-take rule.

Foremost, fish within the no-take MPA are able to grow without the impact of human activity. This leads to an increase in the overall size of fish and reproduction rates relative to areas that are fished. For example, a 26-inch blue trevally (talikitok), which is twice as large as a 13-inch talikitok, can produce as much as 86 times more eggs than the 13-inch fish!. The basic idea behind this MPA type is to allow fish to grow to larger sizes which in turn produces more eggs. More eggs eventually lead to the production of more fish, many of which end up in areas where fishing is allowed.

Another significant benefit from MPAs is “spillover.” Spillover is caused when marine life, especially fish, flow out of the protected area. Scientific studies of MPAs all over the world have shown that fishing near the boundaries of MPAs is better because fish have “spilled over” from the protected area. After all, the fish don’t know where the boundaries are! There are many other benefits that come out of MPAs, which will be featured in the upcoming Marine Protected Areas in the CNMI newspaper insert.

It is essential that residents of the CNMI learn about these conservation areas because they play a huge part in preserving our environment for the benefit of the people here now and for future generations. With an increased level of awareness of MPAs, CoCo hopes that our community, especially fishermen, will be the number one enforcers of the laws that protect our beautiful marine environment. It is important to understand that giving up some privileges will eventually create lasting resources for our future generations. [B][I](CoCo)[/I][/B]