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Demonstrating conservation impacts in California Marine Protected Areas using large-scale participatory science data
M V Eitzel1,2, Nick Ulle3, Ryan Meyer2
1Feminist Research Institute, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America.
Plos One
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Human activities in California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were studied using volunteer data. Consumptive activities were lower in stricter MPAs, showing compliance and informing conservation management.
Area of Science:
- Conservation social science
- Marine ecology
- Participatory science
Background:
- Monitoring human interactions with protected areas is crucial for conservation.
- Assessing impacts and fostering positive relationships with natural sites are key needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate human activities within California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of MPAs in managing human impacts.
- Demonstrate the utility of large-scale participatory science for conservation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a participatory data collection protocol, "MPA Watch," implemented by volunteers across California.
- Collected data on human activities from 2012-2020 at 104 coastal sites.
- Analyzed over 31,700 surveys using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with zero inflation, incorporating covariates like weather and tides.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant lower consumptive activities were observed inside the strictest MPAs compared to non-MPAs.
- No significant difference in non-consumptive recreational activities was found between MPAs and non-MPAs.
- Consumptive activities showed a significant decline over time, and expected use patterns (e.g., higher weekend activity) were detected.
Conclusions:
- Consumptive activities are reduced within California MPAs, indicating compliance with regulations.
- Participatory science, combined with statistical modeling, is a viable approach for monitoring protected areas.
- Site-specific data can inform tailored management strategies for conservation.
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