ABSTRACT
MPAs, like all environmental policy instruments, are the extension of an ethic – or a sense of what constitutes right or good treatment of both the environment and/or humans. Far from neutral, MPAs are social constructions that are imbued with different societal values and can be seen as good or bad depending on the questions that are asked and the ethical lens that is applied. This chapter explores the ethical seascape of MPA policy and practice through reflecting on the following three questions: (1) What desired values or potential benefits are assigned to the creation of MPAs?; (2) are the processes and outcomes of MPAs fair and just for ecological and human communities?; and (3) what constitutes right or good practice in the planning and management of MPAs?
