Assessments of condition of Marine Protected Areas
Biogeographic Assessments
Geographical coverage
| Geographical scale of the assessment | Regional,National,Set of sites,Single site |
|---|---|
| Country or countries covered | United States |
| Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name |
With the ongoing implementation of marine spatial planning efforts and evolution of MPAs in the US, a suite of biogeographic assessments are underway around the US coast line to locate and evaluate the efficacy of MPAs and to support marine spatial planing efforts. |
Geographical scale of the assessment
Regional,National,Set of sites,Single site
Country or countries covered
United States
Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name
With the ongoing implementation of marine spatial planning efforts and evolution of MPAs in the US, a suite of biogeographic assessments are underway around the US coast line to locate and evaluate the efficacy of MPAs and to support marine spatial planing efforts.
Conceptual framework, methodology and scope
Assessment objectives
Assessments of the condition of coastal waters and estuaries at multiple scales, from large marine ecosystems to targeted protected areas. Studies use multiple ecological indicators and probabilistic sampling design to provide statistically sound and spatially valid estimates of condition and stressor impacts based on consistent biological, chemical and physical measurements. Findings are incorporated into vital Protected Area reports and related management plans. Collects data on human health, human activities, nutrient health, contaminants, extent and distribution of MPAs, biodiversity, and species risk data.
Mandate for the assessment
The assessment support the US National Marine Sanctuaries Act and several executive orders including the US National Ocean Plan and US Coral Reef Conservation Act.
Conceptual framework and/or methodology used for the assessment
Other (please specify)
Biogeographic Assessments
URL or copy of conceptual framework developed or adapted
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/centers/ccma
System(s) assessed
- Marine
- Coastal
- Island
Species groups assessed
Multiple species with emphasis of fish assemblages
Ecosystem services/functions assessed
Provisioning
Regulating
Supporting Services/Functions
- Habitat maintenance
Cultural Services
Scope of assessment includes
Drivers of change in systems and services
Yes
Impacts of change in services on human well-being
Yes
Options for responding/interventions to the trends observed
Yes
Explicit consideration of the role of biodiversity in the systems and services covered by the assessment
Yes
Timing of the assessment
Year assessment started
2002
Year assessment finished
Ongoing
If ongoing, year assessment is anticipated to finish
2020
Periodicity of assessment
One off
Assessment outputs
Report(s)
Communication materials (e.g. brochure, presentations, posters, audio-visual media)
http://www.ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/nwhi/
Journal publications
Training materials
Other documents/outputs
Tools and processes
Tools and approaches used in the assessment
- Modelling
- Trade-off analysis
- Geospatial analysis
- Scenarios
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/cinms/
Process used for stakeholder engagement in the assessment process and which component
Conduct initial planning with stakeholders in determining the assessment objectives and also use of US National Marine Sanctuary Program Advisory Councils.
Key stakeholder groups engaged
The number of people directly involved in the assessment process
10-100
Incorporation of scientific and other types of knowledge
- Scientific information only
- Resource experts (e.g. foresters etc)
- Traditional/local knowledge
Supporting documentation for specific approaches, methodology or criteria developed and/or used to integrate knowledge systems into the assessment
Assessment reports peer reviewed
Yes
Data
Accessibility of data used in assessment
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/about/biogeography/biogeo_prod.aspx
Policy impact
Impacts the assessment has had on policy and/or decision making, as evidenced through policy references and actions
Independent or other review on policy impact of the assessment
No
Lessons learnt for future assessments from these reviews
Capacity building
Capacity building needs identified during the assessment
Actions taken by the assessment to build capacity
Network and sharing experiences, Access to funding, Sharing of data/repatriation of data
How have gaps in capacity been communicated to the different stakeholders
Knowledge generation
Gaps in knowledge identified from the assessment
How gaps in knowledge have been communicated to the different stakeholders
Through meetings and reports.
