A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a special part of the ocean where nature is looked after: like a park under the sea.

Within these zones, harmful practises like overfishing and pollution are controlled to maintain the safety and well-being of ocean life. 

We have searched through the latest data to see if, and how, things are improving, and the Scoreboard shows both the progress and the challenges.

Global Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

👍 The good: About 9.6% of the world’s ocean is now protected, compared to just 1% in 2010. That’s a huge leap!   
👎🏼 The bad: Only a small part of these areas are safe, with rules fully enforced.

Scotland’s Seas
👍 The good: 37% of Scottish seas are now protected, up from 22% in 2018. Big progress!
👎🏼 The bad: Protection doesn’t always mean no harm, some threats like pollution and warming seas still remain.

Coral Reefs
👍 The good: Reefs are still home to millions of sea creatures, and many people are working hard to save them.
👎🏼 The bad: Around 84% of coral reefs have suffered bleaching recently, worse than the last big event (68%). That's bad! That's why we need more protected areas!

🗺️Visit Our World in Data to explore interactive charts and country-by-country details. (external site)
Source: Our World in Data.

Why not talk about this in your classroom or with your family? Ask: Which of these numbers surprised you the most? What can we do to make the good numbers grow?

👍🏽Three Things To Do
Reduce single-use plastics (say no to straws and bags).
Learn and share fun ocean facts, knowledge is power!
Support beach clean-ups or start a mini one in your area.

🚫Three Things Not To Do
Don’t litter, even small rubbish can end up in the sea.
Don’t waste water, fresh water and the sea are connected.
Don’t think you are too small to help, every action counts.

Sources
PROTECTED PLANET
MARINE SCOTLAND
NOAA - CORAL REEF WATCH