Zoning

The below table describes the Utilization Zones in Raja Ampat’s Marine Protected Areas, and a general description of the activities that can occur within these zones.  All individuals and organisations conducting activities within Marine Protected Areas should familiarise themselves with the Utilization Zones (see specific MPA pages), and any associated regulations that are relevant to the activities they wish to conduct.

Before entering a Marine Protected Area, it is important to know where these Utilisation Zones are, and what activities are permitted and/or forbidden there.

For a detailed description of all activities affected by Zoning Regulation, please refer to Table 14, pages 48-51 of the “Management and Zoning Plan – Raja ampat Marine Protected Areas 2019-2038′”.

Click table to enlarge

Raja Ampat’s rich reefs and abundant seas provide a multitude of ecosystem services to local and international communities and industries.   From traditional use and food security, through to fisheries and a growing tourism industry; a variety of stakeholders derive benefit from the regions marine resources.

In order to protect these resources from exploitation or unsustainable use, and to ensure the long-term protection of marine environments, in 2004 the first of 9 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was established. This network of MPAs now covers 2,000,109 hectares which together form the Raja Ampat Marine Park, under provincial and national jurisdiction.

Each Marine Protected Area contains specific zones, which help to manage and protect natural resources by applying rules that define the activities that are permitted, the activities that are prohibited, and the activities that require a permit. Zones may also place restrictions on how some activities are conducted.

Zoning is an integral component of management in the Raja Ampat Marine Park; it is a key strategy in sustaining and improving reef health and resilience, leading to healthy and productive reefs throughout the region, which in turn provides food security, regional stability, and economic and health benefits to local communities and a range of local and international stakeholders.

The Raja Ampat Marine Park Management and Zonation Plan 2019-2038 makes provision for a range of ecologically suitable commercial, recreational and research opportunities within Marine Protected Areas, along with supporting traditional usage and related practices.

The Zoning Maps for each Marine Protected Area can be found on their respective pages:

Dampier Strait MPA
Fam Islands MPA
Asian and Ayau Islands MPA
Mayalabit Bay MPA
Misool Islands MPA
North Misool MPA
Kofiau Boo MPA

West Waigeo Islands Marine Reserve 
Raja Ampat Islands and Surrounding Seas National MPA