Protecting 10% Of The Ocean Was A Milestone. Here Are The Best Marine Protected Areas.

Protecting 10% Of The Ocean Was A Milestone. Here Are The Best Marine Protected Areas explains how marine protected areas (MPAs) are assessed for real conservation impact. The article notes that MPAs conserve 10% of the world’s oceans, a milestone announced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on April 1, 2026, and it cites Protected Planet’s database saying there are 16,950 MPAs globally. It argues that not all MPAs are managed effectively, pointing to examples where activities such as seabed mining or industrial fishing can still occur. To identify stronger models, it highlights the Blue Park Awards, presented annually by the Marine Conservation Institute, with winners in Senegal, Madagascar, Chile, and Canada for 2026. It also emphasizes local community involvement in enforcement and management.