Beyond area-based targets: Emerging trends in coastal and marine protection in Brazil

Abstract

Marine environments face escalating anthropogenic pressures, affecting over 50% of global oceans and posing significant threats to species and ecosystems. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have emerged as a key strategy to mitigate these impacts, legally safeguarding areas from harmful human activities. However, the focus on quantitative area-based conservation targets may overlook essential qualitative aspects for MPA effectiveness. We investigated trends in the Brazilian MPA network between 2002 and 2022, focusing on the implementation of formal management tools (management plan and management council), levels of protection, and ecosystem representation. Data from open databases were compiled to assess trends using established indicators. Our findings reveal that most Brazilian MPAs created during this period are partially protected (53%), primarily located in coastal areas (95%), and relatively small (0–100 km²) (31%). Additionally, more than 50% of MPAs in Brazil lack both a management plan and a management council. While expanding MPA spatial coverage may suggest increased marine regulation, it does not necessarily translate into effective biodiversity conservation. Thus, there is an urgent need to move beyond area-based targets to enhance conservation outcomes. Upgrading partially protected MPAs to more restrictive levels, such as no-take zones, and developing and implementing management plans effectively, will contribute to achieving conservation goals.