Marine reserves are protected areas of oceanic and coastal habitat that are left largely undisturbed by human activity. The term "marine reserve" refers to a specific type of protected area designated for conservation purposes. There are a number of synonyms for marine reserves, including marine protected areas, marine conservation areas, marine sanctuaries, and marine parks. Each of these terms describes an area that has been set aside for the conservation of marine biodiversity and the protection of marine ecosystems. Regardless of the term used, the ultimate goal is to safeguard the rich and diverse oceanic environments that support life and provide valuable ecological services for humanity.