Describe the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in conserving the biodiversity of three Indian marine species: the Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), the Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and the Indo‑Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Include at least five specific benefits that MPAs provide to each species.
Answer
MPAs protect critical habitats, reduce fishing pressure, preserve breeding and nursery grounds, maintain water quality, and facilitate research and monitoring for all three species.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Outline the general functions of MPAs: habitat protection, fishing regulation, and research facilitation.
- Step 2: For the Humphead wrasse, list benefits such as reef habitat protection, reduced bycatch, protection of spawning sites, improved food availability, and enhanced recruitment.
- Step 3: For the Olive ridley turtle, highlight benefits like safe nesting beaches, reduced poaching and egg collection, protection of foraging zones, preservation of migratory corridors, and monitoring of hatchling survival.
- Step 4: For the Indo‑Pacific bottlenose dolphin, enumerate benefits including safe foraging areas, reduced vessel traffic and noise, protection of prey populations, preservation of social habitats, and opportunities for long‑term behavioural studies.
- Step 5: Summarize the common advantages of MPAs across all three species: habitat conservation, reduced human exploitation, improved water quality, and support for scientific research.
Common mistake: Generalizing benefits without species‑specific examples
Concept tested: Marine protected areas and marine biodiversity
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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