marine protected area
/mɑːrɪn prɒˈtɛktɪd ˈɛrɪə/ · mar·i·ne pro·tect·ed a·rea
noun
- A designated region of the ocean or coastal waters that is protected from human activities that could harm the environment, such as fishing, mining, or construction. The marine protected area off the coast of California is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and coral reefs.
noun
- A type of protected area that is specifically designated for the conservation and management of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and estuaries. The marine protected area in the Mediterranean Sea is an important habitat for endangered species such as the monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle.
noun
- A region of the ocean or coastal waters that is protected from human activities that could harm the environment, but may not be formally designated as a protected area. The marine protected area around the Hawaiian Islands is a vital component of the state's conservation efforts, helping to protect the islands' unique marine biodiversity.
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Did you know? The first marine protected area was established in 1931 in the United States, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the Florida Keys as a 'marine sanctuary' to protect the area's unique coral reefs and marine life.