Marine protected areas as living labs? Lessons learned & future perspectives

npj Ocean Sustainability 2026 Open access

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Authors: Olivier Thébaud, Claire Macher, Frédérique Alban, Manuelle Philippe, Grégory Charrier, Andrew Bell, Fabio Boschetti, Diana V. Burbano, Darren S. Cameron, Eric Charbonnel, Benjamin D. Cowie-Haskell, Raphaëlle Dancette
+15 more Michael Elliott, Marie Guingot, Martial Laurans, Laurence Le Diréac’h, Philippe Le Niliot, Kevin Leleu, Sophie Léonardi, Dominique Pelletier, Ingrid Peuziat, Pablo Pita, Pascal Provost, Riekhof Marie-Catherine, Pierre Scemama, Marie-Alexandrine Sicre, Anouk Villedieu
DOI: 10.1038/s44183-025-00175-w
Cited by: 1
References: 33

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) management usually involves bringing multiple stakeholders together, to construct policy-relevant research programs and science-based tools for adaptive management. Here, we present the conclusions of a transdisciplinary workshop that aimed at reviewing experiences in the co-design of EBM research in MPAs. We find that MPAs represent powerful instruments for conducting real-world experiments, de facto acting as living labs in support of ocean governance.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies Coastal and Marine Management

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Ocean Sustainability
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
5
Issue
1
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN