2030 marine conservation goal threatened as adult fish populations stagnate or decline in underprotected MPAs, especially in the Mesoamerican Reef.
A study in Global Change Biology reveals that adult fish populations in marine protected areas (MPAs) are either stagnant or declining, especially in the Mesoamerican Reef. Only 24% of MPAs were fully or highly protected, and just 8% of sites experienced significant increases in adult fish biomass. Researchers emphasize the importance of strong enforcement, effective management, and choosing sites with climate change in mind to achieve the global conservation goal of protecting 30% of Earth's ocean by 2030.
April 04, 2024
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