A recent study from New Zealand reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) may not be providing adequate protection for whales against threats such as commercial fishing. The findings suggest that these designated zones offer only insufficient or partial safeguards for marine mammals.
Over a three-year period, researchers collected data on whale and vessel movements in southern New Zealand, including the subantarctic islands. The tracking involved 29 New Zealand southern right whales, a species known to frequent the same areas as ships, especially during peak breeding periods.
The study compared the locations of these whales with those of vessels and found a significant overlap inside MPAs. This high level of co-occurrence indicates that even within protected zones, whales face risks from human activities like shipping and fishing.
The researchers highlight the need for reevaluating the effectiveness of MPAs in safeguarding marine life. They suggest that current protections may need to be enhanced or expanded to ensure that whales and other marine species are adequately shielded from human-induced threats.
This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of conservation strategies to better protect vulnerable marine populations. As commercial activities intensify in marine environments, understanding and mitigating their impact on wildlife becomes increasingly critical.
Reference(s):
Study shows marine protected areas' role in safeguarding whales
cgtn.com
