Introduction
In this unit, you will investigate the global role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable food production. Using examples worldwide, you will study various MPAs and other types of area-based management - from small fishery closures to large world heritage sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Students participating in the unit will have the opportunity to visit four MPAs in Tasmania, engage in discussions with scientists, stakeholders, and park rangers, and perform their own biological and socio-economic surveys to evaluate MPA impacts. During interactive seminars and peer-based tutorials, students will study MPA theory and case studies, develop and communicate MPA management plans, and apply quantitative tools to design MPAs and measure their impacts. On completion of this unit, you will have an understanding of (1) the different types of MPAs, (2) the trade-offs among ecological and socio-economic outcomes, (3) effective MPA design, enforcement and governance, and (4) progress towards global MPA targets.
Summary
| Unit name | Marine Protected Areas |
| Unit code | JFA533 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity|Fisheries and Aquaculture|Oceans Ice and Climate |
| Coordinator | Doctor Nils Krueck |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the theory and rationale for the use of marine protected areas and other types of effective protected areas.
- Apply and critique processes of marine protected area planning and evaluation to inform management.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Weekly for 13 weeks: 2 hr lecture, 2 hr tutorial. One 3-day field camp. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Computer lab reports (15%)|Final Exam (25%)|Presentation (25%)|Written Report (35%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
To be confirmed on MyLO in preparation for each week. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | UNEP-WCMC - the World Database on Protected Areas: www.protectedplanet.net/marine. Marine Conservation Institute - The Atlas of Marine Protection: http://mpatlas.org. Grorud-Colvert et al. (2021) The MPA Guide: A framework to achieve global goals for the ocean. Science 373, No. 6560. Available here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf0861 Day et al. (2019) Guidelines for applying the IUCN protected area management categories to marine protected areas. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gland, Switzerland. Available here: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/PAG-019-2nd%20ed.-En.pdf |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.