Marine Protected Areas and Ocean Animal Welfare

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) reduce human-caused welfare harms to ocean animals by limiting fishing, mining and development in critical habitats for diverse marine species.

Key Facts

Only 8% of the global ocean is designated as marine protected area, with only 2.9% fully protected
MPAs increase fish biomass by 600% and fish size by 28% within their boundaries on average
Whales, dolphins and sharks show increased abundance and reduced entanglement mortality in well-managed MPAs
The 30x30 campaign seeks 30% of ocean under protection by 2030, endorsed by 100+ countries
UK Marine Conservation Zones protect over 200 areas, but 65% allow bottom trawling which damages seafloor habitats

Welfare Considerations

Marine Protected Areas benefit ocean animal welfare both directly and indirectly. By excluding or limiting fishing, they reduce bycatch entanglement, trawl-related injuries, and the stress of depleted prey availability. Animals in MPAs live in more intact ecosystems where natural behaviors can be expressed and food is more abundant. The broader ecosystem health of MPAs also supports the resilience of ocean communities to climate change, which is increasingly a major source of thermal stress and habitat loss for marine animals. Expanding genuine protection — not just designation on paper — is one of the most impactful ocean welfare actions available.

What You Can Do

Support the 30x30 ocean protection campaign through petitions and organizational donations
Advocate for UK Marine Conservation Zones to have bottom trawling prohibited within their boundaries
Choose seafood from fisheries operating outside sensitive marine habitats
Donate to Oceana, Blue Marine Foundation and similar organizations campaigning for ocean protection