Some smaller MPAs may have only one zone where the regulations apply throughout. Other MPAs or OECMs span larger areas with multiple zones, each with different rules. A variety of zones in larger areas can help to allow for flexibility of regulated uses in the area to meet conservation needs and minimize socio-economic impact. For example, zones that are closed in spawning seasons can protect vulnerable species while allowing harvest during open periods.

Types of Zones

• No Access/No Take Zones: Completely restrict access or harvesting.

• Multi-Use Zones: Allow certain uses while prohibiting others, such as restricting fishing during spawning periods or designating areas for non-consumptive activities.

Linking Zones to Site Objectives

Different combinations of zones and rules will yield different results. Just like site selection, all MPA zones and rules should be directly linked and driven by the site objectives and results you’re trying to achieve. 

Also, zones and rules should consider ecological, management, and local socio-economic circumstances and aim to balance the ecological and management interests with local/traditional use values and desired benefits. 

• For example, a site with objectives aimed at improving fish populations and adjacent community livelihoods should identify target species that are important for local livelihoods and what ecological needs those species require to be abundant. This information can be used to ensure that the site zones are large enough and include key habitats for different life stages and that rules address major threats (e.g., poaching in a spawning area) of target species. 

• Another site might be aimed at protecting biodiversity and increasing tourism revenue. This site may include no access zones for areas of high biodiversity and other zones in less sensitive habitats that allow for tourism activity.

Stakeholder Participation

Participation by stakeholders/ rights holders in designing the site is critical for discussing and achieving a balance of these factors. 

Local stakeholders can have key insights about the site that might otherwise not be known such as where certain activities happen or the health of the resources in specific areas. Zones can then aim to protect key areas while also considering the needs of the local stakeholders. 

Clearly Defined Boundaries

A key factor of effective management is the use of boundaries that are clearly designated, marked, and known by stakeholders. Part of designing an effective MPA is identifying the specific geographical boundaries and, if possible/applicable, physically marking them and creating GPS points to map them. Creating boundaries may need to balance ecological considerations (e.g., natural habitat borders) with social considerations (e.g., aligned with natural features like a rocky point). Enforcement and compliance with site rules and zones are highly dependent on stakeholders understanding what is allowable where. This relies on clearly marked boundaries accompanied with outreach efforts to help stakeholders understand boundaries.