Global experts are calling for the strengthening of marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard sea life on World Oceans Day [1].

These protections are critical because rising ocean temperatures, biodiversity loss, and land-based pollution continue to strain marine ecosystems. While designated areas provide a framework for conservation, researchers said that existing measures are often insufficient to combat the scale of environmental degradation.

The push for stronger safeguards comes as the international community navigates the implementation of the High-Seas Treaty, which entered into force in 2024 [1]. This treaty provides a legal mechanism to establish protected areas in international waters, moving beyond national jurisdictions to cover the open ocean.

Data regarding current protections vary by source. Some reports indicate that more than 10% of the ocean is now protected [2], while other estimates suggest the figure is higher than 25% [3]. Despite these gains, the effectiveness of MPAs remains a point of contention among scientists. While some view them as the primary tool for safeguarding sea life, others said that threats like sewage runoff continue to damage coral reefs even within the boundaries of protected zones [4].

Marine biologists, including Sylvia Earle, said that conservation requires more than just meeting numerical targets. Effective protection involves building strong relationships between policymakers and local communities to ensure rules are enforced. In Africa, coastal MPAs have shown dual benefits by supporting both local community livelihoods, and the restoration of depleted ecosystems [5].

Efforts to expand these zones are now focused on bridging the gap between designated "paper parks" — areas protected only on maps — and actively managed sanctuaries. Experts said that without rigorous enforcement and a reduction in land-based pollutants, the boundaries of MPAs will not be enough to prevent the collapse of fragile marine habitats [4].

“More than 10% of the ocean is now protected”

The discrepancy in reported protection percentages suggests a lack of standardized global monitoring, while the persistence of pollution within MPAs highlights a gap between legal designation and ecological reality. The transition from the 2024 High-Seas Treaty to active enforcement will determine if these areas serve as genuine refuges or merely symbolic boundaries.