You can choose your relatives: Building marine protected area networks from sister sites

Marine protected area (MPA) networks can effectively bridge jurisdictional boundaries by leveraging ecological and cultural connections, fostering transnational cooperation for ocean resource stewardship. This study highlights the success of sister site partnerships over a decade, demonstrating how collaborative management strategies enhance protection of shared biological resources. Case studies include alliances like Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (USA) with Caribbean sites to protect humpback whales, the Gulf of Mexico Sister Site Network involving USA, Mexico, and Cuba, and the partnership between Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (USA) and Rapa Nui (Chile). The research underscores the importance of transnational cooperation in strengthening MPA management and safeguarding marine biodiversity.

Wenzel, L., Cid, G., Haskell, B., Clark, A., Quiocho, K., Kiene, W., Causey, B., & Ward, N. (2019). You can choose your relatives: Building marine protected area networks from sister sites. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29(S2), 152–161. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3041