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. 2014 Aug 1;9(8):e102298. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102298

Table 1. Definitions, goals, and examples for each type of marine protected area (MPA) network.

MPA network type Definition General network goals Example network(s)
Ad-hoc or Regional An unplanned collection of MPAs in a given area, not established with a cohesive goal To meet international conservation targets, serve as potential foundation for a planned network North-western Mediterreanean, Hawai'i, Caribbean
Conservation A collection of MPAs in a given area aimed at protecting conservation priority sites To protect replicates of representative ecosystems, critical areas, damaged habitats Great Barrier Reef, Chile, Australian Commonwealth MPA networks, Florida Keys
Management A collection of MPAs in a given area established to manage a marine resource and multiple human uses To protect targeted species, increase reproductive capacity, increase yield, optimize coastal uses while meeting conservation targets, avoid conflicts West Hawai'i, US West Coast Rockfish Conservation Areas, US Essential Fish Habitat Closures
Social A collection of MPAs whose managers, practitioners, stakeholders, decision-makers, scientists, and others interact and transfer knowledge To promote interaction among participants to effectively plan, manage, implement, or monitor area-based management of marine resources and associated uses Mediterreanean Protected Areas Network (MedPAN), Caribbean Marine Protected Area Managers (CaMPAM)
Connectivity A set of multiple MPAs connected by the movement and dispersal of larvae, juveniles, or adults To maximize conservation benefits but minimize no-take area by establishing multiple, interconnected MPAs Papua New Guinea, Gulf of California, California coast, Moorea, West Hawai'i