The First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas

Panel 1: Marine Mammal Research within MPAs and the Link to
Networking
Convener and coordinator: David Mattila
Rapporteur: Jeff Walters
Objectives:
<strong>The</strong> focus of this panel was on how research contributes to the design, management, and
adaptation of marine mammal protected areas. Case studies were presented from a range
of locations and species and they involved a variety of methods, from high-tech and
expensive to low-tech, simple, and relatively inexpensive. New, innovative research tools
or approaches were to be highlighted, with the expectation that this might help ensure
that they are more widely used. In keeping with the theme of the conference, panelists
were encouraged to address the issues of linkages and networks, e.g., to identify aspects
held in common, such as species, populations, research challenges, or management
issues.
<strong>The</strong> following questions were posed as a basis for discussion:
• How does the research address key issues for managers, such as
� Definition of critical habitat;
� Monitoring animal health and population trends;
� Identification and mitigation of primary threats;
� Cost-effectiveness of the approach and its transferability to other MPAs,
including those with limited resources?
• Does the research help identify areas outside the current MPA that deserve
consideration in reassessment (and even reconfiguration) of the existing
boundaries, or does it confirm that the existing boundaries (which may have
been established based on less definitive data) are appropriate?
• Does the research help identify other MPAs for the species or population, thus
illuminating linkages and suggesting the potential value of a network?
Summary of Findings:
Scientific understanding is generally regarded as essential to the establishment and
management of protected areas. Although such understanding often comes from active
science programs, it can also come from appropriately trained and motivated vessel
operators, divers, and other stakeholders. Stakeholder involvement in research can mean
gathering baseline data, contributing to monitoring programs, helping develop sciencebased
management plans, or simply giving advice.
A common theme among the geographically and topically diverse case studies was the
need to link stakeholders, the public, scientists, and decision-making authorities. Public
and government support for MPAs depends on the effective transfer of knowledge and
awareness through linked research and education programs. Participants reported that
ICMMPA <strong>Conference</strong> Proceedings
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