The First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas

Panel 5: Refining Management for Improved MPAs and MPA
Networks
Convener and coordinator: Brad Barr
Objectives:
<strong>The</strong> objectives of this panel were to discuss how MPA effectiveness is assessed and how
the results of such assessment can be translated into improved management
performance. <strong>The</strong> focus was on marine mammals and their habitat. Panelists were asked
to provide practical examples of design, monitoring, and evaluation of MMPA networks
(or how these should be done); discuss how MMPAs affect and are affected by
ecosystem-based management, ocean zoning, and regional ocean governance; and
consider ways in which those concepts might be relevant to assessment and
improvement of site or network functioning.
Summary of Findings:
Increasing attention is being given to the measurement of management effectiveness of
MPAs. Many MPAs still do not have management plans; in fact, many MPAs are not
being actively managed at all. However, as more management plans are developed and
implemented, measuring their effectiveness is being included as a critical component for
driving adaptive management. Networks of MPA managers can help build the capacity
for carrying out appropriate evaluations of effectiveness. However, such evaluations
require rigorous, sustainably funded monitoring as well as adequate resources for analysis
and interpretation of monitoring data.
Once an evaluation of effectiveness has been completed, it is the responsibility of
managers to respond appropriately. This should include engagement in education and
outreach to ensure that the public is aware of and understands the status of the MPA’s
resources. Stakeholder and indigenous groups need to be engaged in this process from
the beginning.
While methods for measuring and evaluating effectiveness for individual sites are
evolving rapidly, this is less true of MPA networks. Attempts to evaluate effectiveness of
MPA networks are usually complicated by the challenges of multiple-agency, and often
international, coordination.
Recommendations:
• Develop and update management plans with elements that ensure appropriate
monitoring and measurement of effectiveness.
• Broadly share experience of measuring management effectiveness, including both
successes and failures. From this experience, develop “best practices” to guide
future initiatives (including recommendations for engagement of stakeholders
and indigenous partners).
ICMMPA <strong>Conference</strong> Proceedings
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