Do you know what a marine reserve is? Neither does Mel the Fish, even though he lives in one! Find out about a marine reserve along with Mel as he learns about his home in the ocean.

 

 

 
amoeba
Noun

one-celled, shapeless organism (protozoan).
benefit
Verb

to be helpful or useful.
biodiversity
Noun

all the different kinds of living organisms within a given area.
biomass
Noun

living organisms, and the energy contained within them.
blue whale
Noun

species of marine mammal that is the largest animal to have ever lived.
carnival
Noun

traveling show with games, performances, and food.
commercial fishing
Noun

industry responsible for catching and selling fish.
development
Noun

growth, or changing from one condition to another.
ecosystem
Noun

community and interactions of living and nonliving things in an area.
giant squid
Noun

deep-sea animal that can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long.
marine reserve
Noun

part of the ocean where no fishing, hunting, drilling, or other development is allowed.
ocean
Noun

large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth.
spillover effect
Noun

process by which fish are protected within a no-take zone, then produce more offspring and eventually migrate into nearby, unprotected areas.
tourist
Noun

person who travels for pleasure.
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    Editor

    Jessica Shea

    Page Producer

    Samantha Zuhlke, National Geographic Society

    Last Updated

    Sept. 24, 2012

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