The following text discusses marine conservation.
Marine protected areas (MPAs), regions where fishing and other extractive activities are restricted, have become a primary tool for ocean conservation. Studies show that well-managed MPAs increase fish populations, species diversity, and overall ecosystem health within their boundaries. The benefits often "spill over" to adjacent waters as fish populations expand. However, MPAs face challenges: enforcement is difficult in remote waters, and displaced fishing effort may simply shift environmental pressure elsewhere. Successful conservation requires MPAs as part of broader management strategies.
What does the text conclude about marine protected areas?
They provide no measurable conservation benefits
They are effective but work best as part of comprehensive approaches
They easily solve all ocean conservation problems
They should replace all other conservation methods
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text shows MPAs "increase fish populations" and have "spill over" benefits, but notes challenges and concludes "successful conservation requires MPAs as part of broader management strategies."
- Evidence: Benefits documented but integrated approach needed.
- Reasoning: Effectiveness plus limitations implies complementary role.
- Conclusion: Effective when integrated into broader approaches.
Choice A is incorrect because multiple benefits are described. Choice C is incorrect because several challenges are listed. Choice D is incorrect because they should be "part of broader" strategies.