As of March 2015, the 'MARINE' field in the WDPA accepts three values to better identify terrestrial, coastal and marine protected areas: 0 (site is entirely terrestrial), 1 (site is both marine and terrestrial) and 2 (site is entirely marine). These values have been attributed based on a spatial analysis, selecting sites which stretch across the marine and terrestrial realm. This technical briefing note describes the reclassification approach, and definitions users for protected areas identified as terrestrial, coastal and marine.

The Proteus Technical Briefing Note series supports the application and interpretation of biodiversity data and information by the extractive sector. Technical briefing notes are developed in the context of the Proteus Partnership, a collaboration between leading extractive companies and UNEP-WCMC to strengthen business approaches for biodiversity management.