On Marine Protected Areas Day, we highlight three recent Science articles offering fresh insights into the design, effectiveness, and equity of MPAs.

These studies explore key questions:
– Where industrial fishing is slipping under the radar in coastal MPAs
– How fully and highly protected MPAs effectively deter industrial fishing
– Why political and economic pressures often undermine conservation outcomes

Together, they offer a nuanced look at what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s needed to make marine protection truly meaningful.

Read the full articles below:
1. Global patterns and drivers of untracked industrial fishing in coastal marine protected areas

2. Little-to-no industrial fishing occurs in fully and highly protected marine areas

3. A catch in ocean conservation

Photo Credit: Katerina Katopis - Ocean Image Bank