Terms of Reference

Developing a marine protected area network in the Western Arctic Bioregion – validating the process and identifying Priority Conservation Areas

Regional Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

February 17-19, 2014
Winnipeg, MB

Chairperson: Kathleen Martin

Context

To meet Canada’s obligations to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD), a Marine Protected Areas Network following UN stipulated steps is required. The objective of the network will be to help conserve biodiversity, ecosystem functions and natural characteristics of the marine environment. Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) have been identified for the Western Arctic Bioregion. The next step in the process is to identify ecological units derived from a biogeographic classification system. EBSAs and ecological units are used as inputs to identify priority conservation areas as planning inputs to the Marine Protected Areas Network.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science was asked to peer review a proposed classification system to produce ecological units and identify a conservation objective and priority conservation areas. 

Objectives

The purpose of the meeting is to answer the following question:

Do the proposed Priority Conservation Areas capture the most appropriate set of areas in the Western Arctic Bioregion given the criteria (i.e., representativity, connectivity, replication, and feasibility) and purpose (i.e., enhanced management areas to promote/allow for sustained ecosystem function and resilience) of areas to be selected for a Marine Protected Area Network?

This will be addressed by answering the following questions:

1. Do the proposed eco-units capture the necessary scale and division of ecological units (primarily based on physical habitat criteria) needed?
2. Does the set of Priority Conservation Areas capture a balanced and appropriate set of representative areas?
3. Will connectivity and replication be maximised once representativity is achieved?
4. Does the overarching conservation objective capture the nature and intent of the network given the proposed Priority Conservation Areas?

The following two working papers will be the basis of the peer review:

Working Paper 2014a: Marine protected area network planning in the western Arctic bioregion: Identification of a conservation objective and priority conservation areas as required planning components, by Hodgson, R.

Working Paper 2014b: Marine protected area network planning in the western Arctic bioregion: Development and use of a classification system to produce ecological units as required planning components, by Hodgson, R.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Two Research Documents

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service and Canadian Ice Service)
• Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
• Fisheries Joint Management Committee
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Academia
• Other invited experts