Posted on June, 24 2015

Expanding ocean protection could return an increase in jobs, resources and services that far outweigh the costs, according to an analysis of new research commissioned by WWF on marine protected areas. The analysis comes months before governments make critical decisions that will direct the fate of the ocean for generations to come.
 
The analysis shows that every dollar invested to create marine protected areas – commonly known as MPAs – is expected to be at least tripled in benefits returned through factors like employment, coastal protection, and fisheries. 

The new analysis is based on a WWF-commissioned study produced by Amsterdam’s VU University, modelling MPA expansion at both the 10 per cent and 30 per cent target levels. The report found that increased protection of critical habitats could result in net benefits of between US$490 billion and US$920 billion accruing over the period 2015-2050. WWF recommends 30 per cent global coverage of MPAs by 2030 in order to secure the most complete benefits for people and the ocean.