Articles · Open Access Policy
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been recognized as one of the most effective management tools for conservation of ocean biodiversity and restoration of degraded marine ecosystems. With several decades of implementation across the world, ecological benefits across different habitat types are yet to be substantiated with scientific evidence. This study assesses the effect of MPAs in promoting biodiversity and restoration of degraded habitats using five selected study sites from the Indian coast, which include habitat types such as coral, seagrass, mangrove, and rocky reef. The species richness, Shannon's index, Simpson's index, and Pielou's evenness in terms of diversity and fish biomass and coral cover, assessed by using UVC and Benthic quadrat, and water quality were compared within MPA and non-MPA zones at each selected site using a nine-year monitoring span (2015-2024). The study showed a statistically significant increase in all the indices of diversity between MPA and non-protected areas. The MPA sites showed an average 79.4% increase in mean species richness (156.6±62.2) compared to non-protected areas (87.3 ±41.6) and 147.6% in fish biomass compared to non-protected areas (p<0.001). Across all no-take zones, on average, coral cover was restored by 43%, with Andaman Island showing the best recovery rate. These outcomes emphasized the importance of governance, community participation, and adaptive management strategies to be utilized for maximizing the MPA benefits. The results would support the policy recommendations in relation to the establishment of MPAs in coastal countries, particularly on the extension of no-take zones, which form the basis of the sustainability of the blue economy.