To Fish or Not to Fish?
Introduction
Although 70% of our planet's surface is covered by water, less than 1% of the world's oceans are protected. As the impacts of overfishing, pollution, and climate change increase, marine protected areas are becoming increasingly important tools for ensuring the future health of the world's oceans and seafood supply.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are found all over the world, but vary from place to place in size, use, and the type and level of protection they provide. Some MPAs are designed to protect a particular species, ecosystem, habitat, or nursing ground, while others are intended to benefit fisheries management or protect historical or cultural sites.
In this lab activity, you will learn about MPAs and how they can be used as part of an ecosystem-based management approach to the conservation of natural and cultural resources.
After completing this investigation, you should be able to:
- define the term Marine Protected Area;
- explain why MPAs are important for ecosystem and fisheries management;
- understand how MPAs are classified;
- identify a marine managed area near your home town; and
- identify factors contributing to the deterioration of the Gulf of California marine ecosystem.
Keeping Track of What You Learn
Throughout these labs, you will find two kinds of questions.- Checking In questions are intended to keep you engaged and focused on key concepts and to allow you to periodically check if the material is making sense. These questions are often accompanied by hints or answers to let you know if you are on the right track.
- Stop and Think questions are intended to help your teacher assess your understanding of the key concepts and skills you should be learning from the lab activities and readings.