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MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAs) The Office of General Counsel for International Law Marine protected areas (MPAs) and area-based management tools are mechanisms to protect a geographically-based area in the oceans. Over the last decade, countries, international organizations, environmental groups, and other entities have called for the establishment of networks of MPAs and for set percentages of the oceans to be declared as MPAs. Despite this seemingly common approach, there is no single approach for a MPA. There are multiple definitions of MPAs and they can have various objectives. MPAs can range from simple declarations of protection of a resource to extensively regulated areas. Since MPAs and area-based management tools are essentially geographically based, questions arise pertaining to such things as what can be done, where an activity can be done, and what types of regulations can be adopted and where they can apply. These types of questions necessarily call for a solid understanding and application of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. There are several MPAs that pertain specifically to shipping. These include Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), Special Area designation, Emission Control Area Designation, Areas to be Avoided, No Anchoring Areas, and Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems. Additional reference information: National System MPA Definitions and Criteria Marine Protected Areas of the United States Related Pages: Marine Protected Areas Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) Special Area Designations Emission Control Areas Areas to be Avoided No Anchoring Areas Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems Conservation of Endangered Humpback Whales