When was the first marine protected area created?

Among the first marine protected areas was the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1961 in the Bahamas. It became an important early model for protecting both land and sea habitats together. The park was created to conserve coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fish populations while limiting extractive activities. Over time, marine protected areas became a major conservation tool used around the world. Today they are central to efforts to protect biodiversity, restore fisheries, and manage coastal ecosystems.