Acknowledgements

MPAs in the WIO

Marine Protected Areas or MPA's have developed rapidly in response to the worldwide degradation of the marine environment. The term marine protected area is defined as any area of sub tidal or intertidal terrain, together with its overlying waters and associated fauna, flora, historical and cultural features which have been reserved by legislation to protect part or all of the enclosed environment. MPAs range from small reserves aimed at protecting a single species to large biosphere reserves, which manage a large tract of ocean according to an integrated management plan. 

Maps of Marine Protected Areas in the WIO

These maps are as accurate as possible as of the time of printing. Existing MPAs are marked in red and proposed MPAs in green. Abbreviations are clarified below each map

Eastern Africa to Madagascar

Northern Madagascar, Mascarenes and the Seychelles

Details of MPAs in the WIO

The information below was as accurate as possible at the time of printing. Notice of any errors, changes to status or creation of new MPAs, should please be made to WIOMSA for incorporation into future editions. Included are proposed sites likely to be designated during in the near future. Some sites have both national and international designation. Where two dates are given, the MPA was gazetted twice, the second time changing name or size. Sheet A1 provides an explanation of IUCN categories. n/a = IUCN category not assigned. Size includes terrestrial portion of MPAs.