International Journal of Aquaculture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 287-297 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 293 7 Strategies for Marine Ecological Protection and Restoration 7.1 Marine protected areas (MPA) and ecosystem-based management When it comes to Marine conservation, people can hardly avoid the concept of "Marine Protected Areas" (MPAs). Whether it is a large-scale MPA established by the state or a small sea area jointly managed by local communities, their roles have been verified in numerous cases. Studies have shown that in key ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, MPA can often significantly increase the number, individual size and biomass of fish, and these changes can eventually translate into economic returns (Viana et al., 2024). Even if the community-level protected areas are not large in area and have been established for a short time, they can still play a role in protecting high-value fish species and restoring ecological services. In addition to "fish farming and protection", MPA has also brought about an overall improvement in ecosystem functions, such as an increase in the number of herbivorous fish, a rise in coral coverage, and a rise in the replenishment of juvenile fish. Meanwhile, the concept of Ecosystem Infrastructure Management (EBFM) is increasingly integrated into the fishery governance system. EBFM places greater emphasis on the impact of multi-species relationships, food web structures, and environmental changes on management decisions (Klein and Watters, 2020). Against the backdrop of numerous uncertainties brought about by climate change, this approach makes ecosystems more resilient and better able to withstand resource decline. Perhaps, only by organically integrating MPA with EBFM can a win-win situation of ecological protection and sustainable fishery be truly achieved. 7.2 Restoration of damaged marine habitats: coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds Nowadays, merely establishing protected areas is no longer sufficient to restore damaged Marine ecosystems to their original state. Proactive restoration is becoming an inevitable measure for an increasing number of countries. Coral reef restoration is one of the earliest and most complex fields to start. From establishing coral nurseries and fragment transplantation to stabilizing substrates and acoustic gain, various technologies have emerged one after another, with only one goal: to increase the survival rate and biodiversity of corals (Bostrom - Einarsson et al., 2020). The Great Barrier Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) in Australia is at the forefront, enhancing the coral's ability to cope with climate change through various means such as coral horticulture, lart release, and substrate reinforcement, and encouraging collaborative participation of communities and researchers (McLeod et al., 2022). The restoration of mangroves may seem more "simple and unadorned", but the results are remarkable: not only does the ecological function recover quickly, but also the carbon sink capacity is enhanced, and even direct economic benefits are brought (Su et al., 2021). Seagrass bed restoration is often combined with the restoration of mangroves and coral reefs to improve water quality, stabilize the coast and defend against storm attacks. Global analysis shows that the average success rate of Marine ecological restoration is approximately 64%, with mangrove and coral reef projects standing out particularly. However, restoration is not always effective. Extreme weather, pollution or poor management can all cause all previous efforts to be in vain. Perhaps, the combination of active restoration and passive protection (such as setting up buffer zones) can truly bring the degraded ecosystem back to life (Danovaro et al., 2025). 7.3 Case analysis: adaptive management model of the great barrier reef marine park The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia is hailed as a "living sample" of global Marine conservation. Facing multiple pressures brought about by global warming, pollution and human activities, Australia has chosen a flexible and adaptive management strategy. In recent years, they have tried various restoration techniques in the Great Barrier Reef: coral horticulture, fragment transplantation, substrate reinforcement, algal removal, larval release. Almost every method imaginable has been employed (Figure 2) (McLeod et al., 2022). Interdisciplinary projects like RRAP also involve research institutions, governments and communities, making restoration no longer just a scientific experiment but a result of social collaboration. In terms of management, the Great Barrier Reef Authority focuses on risk assessment, goal setting and continuous feedback to ensure that policies can be adjusted in a timely manner in response to ecological and social changes. Meanwhile, the management department has enhanced the effectiveness of protection by designating buffer zones, optimizing spatial planning, and strengthening the enforcement of regulations. Despite the ongoing climate crisis and the frequent occurrence of
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