Terms of Reference
Review of Existing Data, Protocols, and Procedures for the Gully Marine Protected Area Ecosystem Monitoring Plan
Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region
September 25-26, 2012
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Chairperson: Tana Worcester
Context
The Gully is the largest marine canyon in eastern North America. Located offshore Nova Scotia near Sable Island, the Gully contains a rich diversity of marine habitats and species, including deep-sea corals and northern bottlenose whales. The area is nationally and globally acknowledged as a unique and important marine habitat. The Gully was designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Oceans Act in May 2004. Management of the Gully MPA is conducted in accordance with the Gully Marine Protected Area Regulations and The Gully Marine Protected Area Management Plan.
Within this Plan, the conservation objectives for the Gully MPA are to:
Protect the health and integrity of the Gully ecosystem:
- Protect the natural biodiversity of the Gully
- Protect the physical structure of the Gully and its physical and chemical properties
- Maintain the productivity of the Gully ecosystem.
In support of the Health of the Oceans Initiative, DFO Science developed an Ecosystem Monitoring Framework to address the conservation objectives for the Gully MPA, consisting of a suite of 47 indicators, and advice on how to implement a cost-effective monitoring program that incorporates existing monitoring programs, protocols and strategies to the extent possible. A Maritimes Region Science Advisory Process was conducted in February 2010 to review the indicators, protocols, and strategies developed for monitoring of the Gully MPA (DFO 2010; Kenchington 2010).
Research and monitoring activities have been conducted in the Gully since the mid-1900s, and data exists that could contribute to 34 of the 47 indicators listed in the Ecosystem Monitoring Framework. However, to date, little has been done to evaluate the available data to determine if the Gully MPA is achieving the conservation objectives laid out in the management plan. Further, the Science Advisory Report on the Gully Monitoring Framework identified the need to develop standardized monitoring protocols so that data collection and analyses are consistent over the long term.
The proposed meeting would provide an evaluation of existing data that could inform indicators to be included in a Gully Ecosystem Monitoring Plan, and also provide a review of existing protocols and procedures to determine if changes are required to meet MPA monitoring needs.
Objectives
The objectives of this meeting are:
- To provide a scientific peer review of available data for selected indicators identified in the Gully Ecosystem Monitoring Framework to determine the state of the Gully ecosystem.
- To provide recommendations regarding the appropriateness of available data and monitoring programs, protocols, and procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of the indicators identified in the Gully Ecosystem Monitoring Framework, and, based on this, recommend indicators that should be continued.
- To provide recommendations on protocol development or changes to existing monitoring protocols and strategies for the indicators needed to effectively meet MPA monitoring needs.
- To provide recommendations on possible approaches to reporting on the state of the Gully ecosystem using these indicators.
Expected Publications
- Proceedings
- Research Document(s)
Participation
- DFO Science
- DFO Ecosystem Management
- Environment Canada
- Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Representatives
- Aboriginal communities / organizations
- Offshore Oil & Gas Industry
- Non-Government Organizations
- Fishing Industry
- Academics
References
Notice
Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.
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