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Of course, the educational benefits of marine reserves should not be limited to those with physical access to the reserves. Modern technology, such as webcams and internet connections can bring substantial contact with Marine Reserves to people and classrooms world wide. Integrated undersea data and sensor networks, similar to the pioneering Monterey Accelerated Research System can provide continuous, detailed scientific information about the Marine Reserves and to all who seek it (MBARI 2007). Scientific information and corresponding visuals can be effectively integrated into all levels of formal education, from grade school to professional research. Simple exposure to ocean literacy in school will create a more environmentally aware populace. In addition, the fact that kids often bring what they learned from school home with them will further broaden the potential reach of marine reserves (Nugent 2004).
Furthermore, MPAs are capable of enhancing marine research as with the Ecological Characterization Project undertaken by the National Marine Protected Areas Center (2006). The creation of a scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of research undertaken in MPAs and Marine reserves would also be a useful tool for research and education. Additionally the profits of such a journal (from membership fees and subscriptions) could be distributed back to the MPA from which the data were collected.
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