ABSTRACT
Marine protected areas (MPA) are designations of a "clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values". This chapter focuses on national or sub-national marine spatial planning that results in ocean zoning and corresponding management plans. Marine policies to control access to ocean areas and manage the use of marine resources have grown exponentially as coastal jurisdictions have expanded, and as the global community has taken increasing interest in those high seas areas that are beyond national jurisdictions. The Guidelines for Applying the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Protected Area Management Categories to MPA is thus a useful standard and a good basis for getting international agreement on terms and approaches for MPA planning. Scientific advances have allowed for a move in MPA planning away from ad hoc designations to more strategic processes.
