Mapping Priority Areas for Marine Conservation

Research has shown that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and especially no-take and adequately staffed and funded MPAs, work to safeguard and recover marine species and ecosystems. Many marine scientists have argued that at... [ view full abstract ]

Research has shown that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and especially no-take and adequately staffed and funded MPAs, work to safeguard and recover marine species and ecosystems. Many marine scientists have argued that at least 30 per cent of the global ocean needs to be in such reserves, including both high seas and national waters. To be effective, however, it must be the right 30 percent, representing all ecosystems in all biogeographic regions, and taking into account special elements and foreseeable anthropogenic impacts. Identifying that 30 per cent or more is an important initial step in putting MPAs in place. Conservation resources are limited and the forces diminishing ocean life and health are great. This focus group will bring together experts at the conference, and others by electronic means as possible, to create and begin to carry out a strategy for identifying MPA locations and connectivity. Prior to the focus group the organizers will bring together existing data on, e.g. EBSA’s (ecologically or biologically significant marine areas), and provide this information to prospective attendees as well as an agenda for the focus group. The focus group will be open to conference attendees, as well as invited experts from every marine region.