Research Finds Large Reserves Key to Marine Species Protection

Vast ocean sanctuaries may be the missing key to global marine conservation. Recent research into the Chagos Archipelago’s massive reserve reveals large-scale protection can shelter the world’s most vulnerable marine species.

Scientists tracked animals across land and sea, uncovering new evidence that big marine protected areas (MPAs) provide strong, life-cycle-spanning protection for highly mobile wildlife.

Tracking Wildlife Across an Ocean Wilderness

A team of biologists from the University of Exeter, Heriot-Watt University, and the Zoological Society of London equipped hawksbill turtles, reef manta rays, and three seabird species with tracking devices.

Together, these animals crisscrossed the 640,000-square-kilometer Chagos Marine Protected Area, one of Earth’s largest designated ocean zones.

Their findings were striking. Ninety-five percent of all animal movements took place within the boundaries of the protected area. For hawksbill turtles and manta rays, nearly all their recorded locations remained within the sanctuary, even as they traveled long distances during migration and feeding.

Did you know?
The Chagos Archipelago MPA is one of the world’s largest marine protected areas, covering over 640,000 square kilometers, nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom.

Why Size Matters Especially for Birds

Especially for wide-ranging species, the scale of a marine reserve can determine the difference between true safety and vulnerability. To test this, researchers modeled a hypothetical smaller reserve of 100,000 square kilometers.

While this reduced zone would still protect a vast majority of turtles (97%) and manta rays (94%), it fell short for seabirds. Only 59% of booby and shearwater flight paths stayed within the downsized area.

This demonstrates that these birds, which forage over immense ocean distances, require larger zones to maintain population stability.

“Seabirds range so widely that smaller reserves leave them exposed when they need protection most,” said Dr. Alice Trevail of the Environment and Sustainability Institute.

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Chagos at a Crossroads: Sovereignty and Conservation

This study arrives just as the Chagos Archipelago faces an anticipated handover from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. The findings are timely. As Mauritius considers its own protected area frameworks, conservationists stress the need to prioritize broad coverage to preserve unique megafauna communities.

Large MPAs are not only powerful tools for protecting animals. They help entire ecosystems by ensuring critical species like seabirds continue their essential ecological work. For instance, seabird guano fertilizes coral reefs, boosting biodiversity and reef resilience.

Meeting Global Goals With Large Reserves

The evidence bolsters the case for more extensive sanctuaries. As the world targets protection for 30% of the ocean by 2030, large-scale MPAs may be essential for achieving meaningful results.

Biologists argue that protecting isolated patches is not enough for the most roaming species. Instead, marine conservation must match the true scale at which wildlife moves and connects ecosystems.

Looking Forward

As the debate over the size and design of future marine protected areas continues, one thing is clear: vast reserves have a proven record of sheltering ocean giants. With global marine life under increasing threat, ensuring these creatures remain "large and in charge" could decide the fate of our blue planet.