Proceedings 2021/027

Proceedings of the Pacific regional peer review on the Review of Conservation Targets and Network Design Options for the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network; May 23-25, 2017

Chairpersons: Miriam O and Russ Jones

Editor: Erika Anderson

Summary

These Proceedings summarize the relevant discussions and key conclusions that resulted from a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Peer Review meeting of May 23-25, 2017 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver, British Columbia. The working paper focused on design strategies for the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network development.

The working paper reviewed scientific literature on ecological best practices for Marine Protected Area network development. Methods were recommended to identify coarse and fine filter ecological conservation targets for species and areas recommended previously as ecological conservation priorities for MPA network planning in the Northern Shelf Bioregion. A flow chart was presented for evaluation of spatial data for inclusion in Marxan analysis. MPA size, spacing, and replication recommendations were presented. MPA protection levels were discussed, along with performance scaling factors for MPAs, to estimate their ability to meet ecological conservation targets under different protection levels.

n-person and web-based participation included Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science, Oceans, and Fisheries and Aquatic Management Sectors staff; and external participants from Indigenous Peoples, commercial and recreational fishing sectors, environmental non-governmental organizations, academia, Province of BC, and Gwaii Haanas Parks Canada.

There were several improvements arising from discussions, including the inclusion of more context and terminology in the Science Advisory Report. The ecological conservation targets will be calculated with both quartiles and thirds, then sensitivity analyses run in Marxan. The variance of the expert reviewers was addressed, and in select cases such as marine mammals, re-evaluation recommended. While the scientific literature provides rationale for the use of a 10% minimum threshold for coarse-filter ecological conservation priority features, it was recommended that sensitivity analyses be undertaken to assess how this baseline will influence the design scenarios. Sessile and highly mobile species were removed from the calculation of MPA size. The initial 30% no-take MPA level of protection was changed to a 20-50% no-take recommendation. In addition, the uncertainties and next steps were discussed, resulting in a detailed list for sensitivity analysis and future research.

The conclusions and advice resulting from this review will be provided in the form of a Science Advisory Report providing advice to DFO and the Marine Protected Area Technical Team (MPATT) to inform the development of the Marine Protected Area Network in the Northern Shelf Bioregion.

The Science Advisory Report and supporting Research Document will be made publicly available on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) website.

Proceedings 2021/027 (PDF, 1,327 KB)

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