Marine protected areas act as a safeguard for oceans, seas, and estuaries. These zones help to preserve the plants and animals that call these waters home, but the benefits of protected areas extend far beyond their boundaries. Researchers explain how marine protected areas help to sequester carbon and foster ecological and social adaption to climate change.Marine protected areas act as a safeguard for oceans, seas, and estuaries. These zones help to preserve the plants and animals that call these waters home, but the benefits of protected areas extend far beyond their boundaries. Researchers explain how marine protected areas help to sequester carbon and foster ecological and social adaption to climate change.