What are marine protected areas (MPAs) designed to accomplish?

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are specifically designed to limit human activities in designated regions of the ocean to enhance biodiversity and protect marine ecosystems. By restricting practices such as overfishing, pollution, and destructive tourism, MPAs create safe havens for various marine species, allowing them to thrive, reproduce, and recover from human-induced stressors. This leads to greater biodiversity and healthier ecosystems, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of marine resources.

The establishment of MPAs often involves designating specific zones where human activity is managed and regulated to minimize ecological disturbance. The primary goal is to conserve the natural environment and its resources, ensuring that marine life can not only exist but flourish, which is crucial given the pressures many marine habitats face due to human activities.

In contrast, the other options focus on human expansion, increased economic gains through exploitation, or specifically catering to tourism, which do not align with the core objectives of MPAs. Instead, MPAs prioritize ecological health and conservation over development or commercial interests.