Science Advisory Report  2012/061

Monitoring protocols and strategies for selected indicators in the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Summary

• Protocols and strategies for each indicator were based on previous or on-going research efforts in the Beaufort Sea to allow for comparison of results and efficient merging of datasets.
• Species Lists (Indicator 1.1.1): A draft species list (current to 2004) was developed for the TNMPA and surrounding area. Recent research in the area should be reviewed for additional species.
• Surveys (Indicator 1.1.2): No single survey method/design can effectively be used to collect data on the full variety of taxa in the TNMPA, therefore taxon-specific methods are required. The first step would be to compile existing spatial records and create distribution maps for some species and/or taxa.
• Sighting Effort (Indicators 3.1.1 and 3.2.1): Protocols for sampling Beluga distribution and abundance based on sighting effort are identical. The data collected can be analysed to provide information on both indicators. The continuation of standardized aerial surveys is the most effective method to monitor these indicators (including ice-edge reconnaissance aerial surveys). It is recommended that aerial survey monitoring should occur every 10 years for 2-3 consecutive years unless a significant stressor is recognized in or near the MPA boundaries.
• Anthropogenic Noise (Indicator 6.1.1): Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) combined with monitoring Beluga distribution and abundance (Indicators 3.1.2 and 3.2.1) would be appropriate for monitoring this indicator. However, it is difficult to differentiate and measure anthropogenic noise in the nearshore Beaufort Sea where wind, waves and ice movement produce high levels of natural background noise.
• Evaluation of the efficacy of the indicators and the resulting indices should be an ongoing process.  Protocols may need to be revised in the future.
• Recent monitoring data should be compared with data collected prior to a documented ecosystem shift (1990-1998). Further investigation is needed to determine baseline periods for individual indicators since this will affect the interpretation of the indicator.
• In any long-term monitoring plan for the TNMPA, it would be advantageous to include local community members from Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk who use the MPA and live in the area year-round. This would allow for collaborative or participatory research/monitoring with local community members, would help offset the costs associated with a long-term monitoring plan and would provide a window of opportunity for the collection and inclusion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
• Appropriate databases need to be developed and maintained to store historical data for each indicator and to ensure accessibility for updating.
• Monitoring drivers and/or stressors that affect the indicators must occur simultaneously so that any changes can be associated with causal factors. At a minimum, monitoring of abiotic parameters is essential.
• Monitoring conducted solely within the bounds of the MPA will not necessarily be effective at detecting change. Linking monitoring activities within the MPA to research and monitoring in other areas would increase effectiveness, however when those programs come to an end new programs will need to be created to maintain the monitoring of those indicators.

This Science Advisory Report is from the February 9-10, 2012 regional advisory meeting on monitoring protocols and strategies for the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area (MPA). Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the DFO Science Advisory Schedule.

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