By Betty Huang –
This map depicts the global distribution of marine protected areas (MPAs) by protection level. MPAs are places in major bodies of water designated for the protection and restoration of marine life and habitats. They can be found in the ocean and Great Lakes. Environmental groups and governments have been working over the past decades to increase the number and size of these special maritime preserves to not only boost biodiversity, but to provide opportunities for people to experience maritime environments and explore cultural maritime heritage.
Global marine protected area targets aimed for 10% coverage by 2020 (Aichi Target 11) and at least 30% by 2030 (the 30×30 goal) under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The 30×30 target, adopted by over 190 nations, was established based on scientific research indicating that protecting at least thirty percent of the ocean is the minimum required to restore marine life and sustain the benefits it provides to humanity. Despite the well-documented advantages of coastal MPAs, MPAs are not being established at the pace required to meet the global target. As of 2026 global coverage is approaching 10%, but only around 3% is fully or highly protected.
Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in establishing large MPAs in remote areas of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). EEZs extend up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline, giving that country sovereign rights over the exploration, use, and conservation of marine resources. Currently, 45 large MPAs (>100,000 km²) cover 6.2% of the ocean and make up more than three-quarters of the global marine protected area. According to a 2025 analysis by Rechberger et al., achieving the 30% MPA target by 2030 would require the designation of roughly 300 large MPAs (>100,000 km²) and 188,000 small MPAs (<10,000 km²) worldwide. Among participating countries, East Asia and the Pacific, including the Coral Triangle, have the greatest need, with 97 large MPAs and 72,000 small MPAs required to meet the target.
For long-term success, emphasis is placed on highly and fully protected coastal MPAs, which support the restoration of marine life within their boundaries, increase food security, strengthen climate resilience, generate economic benefits, and improve human health in surrounding communities. Many MPAs remain “paper parks” without proper enforcement, limiting their ability to restore biodiversity and support ecosystems. To be truly effective, MPAs need strong management, adequate funding, and active involvement from local stakeholders to ensure that protection measures are implemented and maintained.
Finally, achieving universal adoption and replicability of coastal MPAs will require addressing persistent challenges, including the lack of awareness about their benefits, inadequate bureaucratic governance, and misconceptions regarding implementation costs.
Source: ScienceDirect, PNAS, UNEP, WildAid, NOAA