Our new piece - just published in the Conversation. 75% of Australia's #marineprotectedareas are given only 'partial' protection. Here's why that's a problem. https://theconversation.com/75-of-australias-marine-protected-areas-are-given-only-partial-protection-heres-why-thats-a-problem-149452?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=bylinetwitterbutton #mpa #marine #biodiversity

We found partially protected areas had no more fish, invertebrates or algae than unprotected areas. Fully protected areas, by comparison, had 30% more fish species and over twice the total weight of fish compared to unprotected areas. #fish #marine #marineprotectedareas

We also found partially protected areas were no more of an attraction to locals and visitors than unprotected areas — they had similar numbers and mix of users, such as walkers, swimmers, fishers and divers. #snorkeling #walks #coast #oceanswimming #fishing #scubadiving

Almost half of the people we surveyed in partially protected areas (42%) mistakenly thought they were in a reserve that protected fish. #marinereserves #MPA #marineprotectedareas #fish

People in partially protected areas were confused. Just 12% of people knew they were in a partially protected area, compared to 79 per cent of people in fully protected areas who correctly identified they were in one. #marineprotectedareas

By the way, the Conversation Article is open access (of course). Our publication is meant to be #OA as well but there has been a hiccup in the journal administration.... so please let me know if you are interested in seeing the full paper.

Our research also busted the myth that fully protected areas are unpopular. 92% of people said they supported protected areas that restrict #fishing. There was virtually no difference in support for protected areas between people who #fish and people who don't – just 1%. #MPA

The current trend towards downgrading fully protected areas to partially protected areas in many parts of the world, including Australia, may be wasting conservation resources. Partially protected areas could still be useful but only for specific purposes. #marineprotectedareas

If we are going to protect our planet, partially protected areas must be monitored regularly and the results made public, because if they are failing to provide social, cultural, or ecological returns, those areas should be upgraded to the level of protection that we know works.