Well-designed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the protection of critical habitat can provide substantial benefits for biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management at national and regional levels. A Practical Guide to the Effective Design and Management of MPAs for Sharks and Rays is the first-ever such tool focused specifically on these animals.
Created by WWF and the Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries & Aquaculture (CSTFA) at James Cook University, the Guide provides practical information and the best available science for marine authorities. It utilises extensive research by CSFTA on the effectiveness of MPAs for sharks and rays and the movement patterns of different species.
Whether for designing new MPAs or improving the effectiveness of existing ones, the Guide is a compelling resource for the advancement of responsible ocean management.
A Practical Guide to the Effective Design and Management of MPAs for Sharks and Rays is the third tool published by WWF and partners since 2017. Together with Responsible Shark and Ray Tourism – A Guide to Best Practice and the Rapid Assessment Toolkit for Sharks and Rays, the guides are designed to compliment one another in providing scientifically proven approaches to data collection and the effective management of these vulnerable creatures.