Networks of Marine Protected Areas

Network of marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity

WWF defines marine protected areas (MPAs) as areas designated to protect marine ecosystems, processes, habitats, and species, which can contribute to the restoration and replenishment of resources for social, economic, and cultural enrichment.  In Malaysia these can be fisheries prohibited areas, marine parks, national parks or other mechanisms.  MPAs can protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, help restore fisheries and provide alternative livelihoods for local communities.

One of the key strategies for the conservation of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion is the establishment of a network of marine protected areas.  A network of MPAs is a system of MPAs that fulfils the fundamental goals of biodiversity conservation which are: representation of biological communities and habitats, viability of populations and species, maintenance of ecological and evolutionary processes, and resilience.  In effect, the MPA Network in the SSME should fulfil biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the long term. 

Networks of marine protected areas are essential partly because of connectivity and fluidity in the marine environment.  Many marine species are broadcast spawners and send their larvae into the current to settle at a distant location.  Networks of MPAs allow for a greater chance of larvae landing in areas where they can grow to reproduce again while also allowing some to be caught as food.

There are 3 existing MPAs with two more in the process of being gazetted in the Malaysian portion of the SSME.  The Turtle Islands Park and Tun Sakaran Marine Park are managed by Sabah Parks.  The Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area is a unique public-private partnership between the Sabah Wildlife Department and Reef Guardian Sdn Bhd to manage the protected area.  The Tun Mustapha Park around the northern tip of Sabah and Sipadan Island are in the process of being gazetted.  These protected areas form the nucleus of a network of marine protected areas in the Malaysian SSME.