The recent
United Nations Ocean Conference held in France once again highlighted the need to protect the world's oceans and seas from pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
Currently, only 6.35% of the world's oceans are covered by marine protected areas (MPAs)—sections of the ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity. While existing marine reserves have
undoubtedly helped protect and restore marine ecosystems, far more needs to be done to preserve them for future generations. But how exactly does a MPA function, and where in the world are some the largest?
Click through this gallery and find out how marine reserves can benefit the environment.