A Scientific Synthesis of Marine Protected Areas in the United States: Status and Recommendations

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a key tool for achieving goals biodiversity conservation and human well-being, including improving climate resilience equitable access to nature. At national level, they central components in the U.S. commitment conserve at least 30% of waters by 2030. By definition, primary goal an MPA is long-term nature; however, not all MPAs provide same ecological social benefits. A system that equitable, well-managed, representative connected, includes level protection can deliver desired outcomes best positioned support goals. We used new framework, The Guide, assess stage establishment 50 largest MPAs, which make up 99.7% total area (3.19 million km 2 ). Over 96% this area, 99% fully or highly against extractive destructive activities, Pacific ocean. Total other regions sparse – only 1.9% ocean excluding any kind (120,976 three quarters non-central lightly minimally activities. These results highlight urgent need improve quality, quantity, representativeness bring benefits marine communities. identify review state science, focal lessons learned from places where sound design principles come together set achieve equity, resilience, conservation. recommend opportunities action specific context, increasing funding, research, existing MPAs.