Marine reserves are defined as ocean areas that are fully protected from activities that remove animals and plants or alter habitats, except as needed for scientific monitoring. Examples of prohibited activities are fishing, aquaculture, dredging, and mining; activities such as swimming, boating, and scuba diving are usually allowed.

Marine reserves receive permanent protection, rather than seasonal or short-term protection. Because marine reserves protect habitats and the diversity of animals and plants that live in those habitats, marine reserves are a form of ecosystem protection that produces different outcomes from other management tools. As with any form of management, a marine reserve is only effective if its protection is enforced.

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