Definitions for "Marine protected area"
A portion of the marine environment set aside by law or other regulations to protect and preserve its flora, fauna, historical, or cultural features. Marine protected areas have different levels of protection and use, and can be called many different names, such as reserves, preserves, sanctuaries, refuges, parks, fishery management zones, national seashores, national monuments, critical habitats, and conservation areas.
an area of the ocean that is designated for special protection under the Oceans Act
As defined by U.S. Executive Order 13158 on MPAs: Areas of the marine environment that have been reserved by federal, state, territorial, tribal, or local laws or regulations to provide lasting protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein.
a tool that can be used as a part of integrated coastal management