Protecting large stretches of the ocean from human influence may well be good for conservation, but a new study by University of York scientists Professor Callum Roberts and Dr Bethan O’Leary suggests that setting aside at least 30 percent of it would also benefit fishermen and other stakeholders. The study, published in Conservation Letters, reviewed more than 100 earlier studies. This study was supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

This study, published in Conservation Letters, reviewed more than 100 earlier studies. It found a surprising consensus around an ambitious target for ocean protection, despite the fact that these studies looked at a range of different goals, from protecting wildlife to supporting fisheries. Professor Roberts, of the Environment Department at York, said: “There’s been huge interest and controversy over how much of the sea we really need to protect in order to safeguard life there and the benefits it provides to humanity. The science says we should raise our ambitions and protect something of the range of 30 to 40 percent of the oceans from exploitation and harm.” Click here to read more.