A new study, published in One Earth shows that marine-protected areas (MPAs) can contribute up to 14 per cent of global nutrient supply, underscoring the importance of MPAs for human health.
Overfishing, climate change, and marine habitat destruction have made it difficult for communities that depend on seafood for nutrition and economic independence to sustain their livelihoods.
This study, carried out by the World Wildlife Fund, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Duke University, is one of the first to explore how MPAs that allow for regulated fishing and sustainable tourism can impact local community’s nutritional intake.
Daniel Viana, Marine Conservation Scientist of Oceans at World Wildlife Fund and lead author of the study, said, “Nations have agreed to protect 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030, yet there aren’t many studies looking at how MPAs affect food and nutrition security of local communities. Our research underscores the potential of well-managed MPAs to provide communities with essential nutrients including protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.”
The study concludes that “MPAs can affect the health and nutrition of coastal communities in various ways. With current global MPA expansion goals, it is critical to acknowledge the potential effects of MPA establishment on the health and nutrition of coastal communities.
“Factors such as MPA design, location, and management can increase or decrease the availability of seafood, consequently affecting the income and food consumption of coastal communities.
“This and other studies show that MPAs can contribute to fisheries catch, with potential positive downstream impacts on human health and nutrition.
“However, managers and policymakers need to ensure that economic incentives and public policies are in place to mitigate potential health risks related to short-term reductions in nutrient supply that can occur with MPA implementation.
“Strategically placing sustainable-use MPAs in coastal communities that are nutritionally vulnerable, dependent on aquatic foods, and most threatened by overfishing can maximise their positive impact when appropriately designed and managed.”