Unsustainable removal of marine life can lead to species depletion and even extinction. Marine managed areas were enacted to create safe havens where marine life could be protected and conserved for future generations. ProtectedSeas seeks to further awareness and enforcement of existing marine protected and marine managed areas (managed areas) by making online and downloadable maps available for conservation strategy and planning. Boundaries are easily seen, along with a summary of the purpose of protection, restrictions on activities, allowed activities, and regulations. Users can view all protections applicable at a certain location, or search for protections based on over 25 specific categories, including extraction, entry, speed, anchoring, certain types of fishing gear, commercial, and recreational fishing. These protections are visually demonstrated on the map allowing users to compare protections in different countries and regions.

ProtectedSeas offers this data for the United States, Caribbean, and just released the data for the High Seas accessible by interactive map or for free download in celebration of World Oceans Day on 8 June 2017.

ProtectedSeas is committed to maintaining and optimizing the only map and database of protected areas and their regulations, and to working in partnership with countries and non-governmental organizations around the world to extend this resource for complete global coverage.