The MPA Network is designed to deliver many ecological, social, economic, and cultural benefits.

MPAs encourage abundance and diversity of marine life, creating thriving ecosystems that support activities and livelihoods including fishing, recreation and tourism. A study of 124 fully protected MPAs in 29 countries showed that MPAs have more marine life, with bigger and more diverse fish, invertebrates, and seaweed compared to areas outside the MPAs. This is because of factors like reduced human pressures, the protection of important coastal habitats and the creation of refuges that allow marine life to rest, feed and reproduce. These conditions make it possible for marine life to thrive, leading to greater abundance of older fish and invertebrates that produce exponentially more offspring. This also supports populations of apex predators like orcas, which promotes stable food webs and reduces the impacts of invasive species, which can lead to increased stability to coastal habitats.

A review of studies on 124 marine reserves located in 29 different countries found that, on average, these protections have led to a 21% increase in the number of species (diversity) a 28% increase in the size of organisms, 166% increase in the density (# of individuals per area), and a 446% increase in total biomass compared to unprotected areas (Lester et al. 2009).

MPAs can reduce the likelihood and severity of sudden species declines, either driven by climate change or other human stressors, which can greatly impact local fisheries and economies. By reinforcing populations in fished areas through species spillover or reducing the level of stress on activities within their borders where fisheries will continue, MPAs can improve the predictability of fisheries catch and revenue and reduce uncertainty in pre-season planning and investment.

Case Studies:

• Spatial closures within the Central Coast of B.C. have led to increases in abundance and size of some species of rockfish and Dungeness crab. Most notably, Yelloweye Rockfish were 21% larger inside than outside of closures (Frid et al 2016), while legal-sized Dungeness Crabs were 108% more abundant and 6.2% larger within protected areas when compared to outside regions (Frid et al. 2016).
• A 35% reduction in fishing area for lobster harvesters resulting from MPA designation in California was compensated for by a 225% increase in total catch after 6 years (Lenihan et al. 2021).
• Following the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) and the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument (PRI) in 2016, total revenue, catch, and CPUE for the regional longline fleet targeting Yellowfin Tuna have all increased. This is despite fears that potential losses would translate to approximately $30M annually across Hawaii’s seafood supply chain and doubts of the effectiveness of spatial protections for migratory species.MPAs also offer opportunities for diversified employment opportunities in coastal communities through the expansion of sustainable marine sectors, including employment in education, training, and stewardship or roles in MPA management and monitoring. Increased demand for access and enjoyment of MPAs can also increase the revenues and employment opportunities for local communities through eco-tourism ventures or the development of entirely new businesses to support growing public interest in these areas.

When designed to protect species that are critical food sources for coastal communities, MPAs can lead to increased size and abundance of these species, improving the consistency of local food access and health outcomes.

Network establishment will lead to new opportunities and partnerships to raise environmental awareness through education about local ecosystems, habitats, and species. These activities will better enable community members to understand and care for their local environments.

MPAs support the continuance of First Nation governance, management systems, and harvesting practices. By better enabling Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship within traditional territories and conserving cultural keystone species, the Great Bear Sea MPA Network will contribute to the continuity of practices at the core of culture and identity of First Nation partners.

Local communities will have many ways to get involved in the Great Bear Sea MPA Network. These opportunities will help people connect with nature, share knowledge, and learn about local ecosystems—both now and for future generations. New advisory groups will also be created to help guide how the area is managed and monitored. This will make it easier for communities to take part in decision-making and lead to better, more meaningful outcomes.