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The National MPA Center: Helping to Conserve our Nation’s Marine Resources

The National MPA Center: Helping to Conserve our Nation’s Marine Resources. Lauren Wenzel National Marine Protected Areas Center. Overview. MPA Definition MPA Center Overview Snapshot of U.S. MPAs Ocean Use Mapping. Many Types of Protected Areas. State, Commonwealth,

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The National MPA Center: Helping to Conserve our Nation’s Marine Resources

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  1. The National MPA Center: Helping to Conserve our Nation’s Marine Resources • Lauren Wenzel • National Marine Protected Areas Center

  2. Overview • MPA Definition • MPA Center Overview • Snapshot of U.S. MPAs • Ocean Use Mapping

  3. Many Types of Protected Areas • State, Commonwealth, • Territory, and Tribal: • Marine Life Conservation Districts • Aquatic Preserves • Areas of Special Biological Significance • Ecological Reserves • Critical Habitats • Marine Conservation Areas • Research Reserves • Coastal and Marine Parks • Underwater Preserves Federal: • National Marine Sanctuaries • National Estuarine Research Reserves • National Parks • Maritime Memorials • National Seashores • National Monuments • National Wildlife Refuges • Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserves

  4. Percent of US MPA Area Open to Recreational Fishing

  5. About the MPA Center • Established in 2000 by Executive Order Develop and implement a scientifically based, comprehensive national system of MPAs representing diverse U.S. marine ecosystems, and the Nation’s natural and cultural resources • MPA Center FY11 Focus: • Engaging Partners & Stakeholders • Developing & Analyzing Geospatial Info • Advancing MPA Science • Capacity Building

  6. MPA Inventory

  7. Mapping Ocean Uses

  8. Why Ocean Uses? “Human uses of the ocean are expanding at a rate that challenges our ability to manage significant and often competing demands”

  9. Ocean Uses Data Gap • Spans wide range of use activities • Little to no spatial data are available • Use patterns are difficult to quantify • Uses can be variable in time and/or place • No established data gathering standards exist • Use knowledge held by a few key individuals

  10. Types of Ocean Uses Non-Consumptive Swimming Surface water sports Paddling SCUBA and snorkeling Motorized boating Sailing Tide pooling Beach use Wildlife viewing Tribal spiritual/cultural places Industrial and Military Offshore oil and gas Offshore alternative energy Mining + mineral extraction Underwater cables Maritime shipping Cruise ships Military operations Aquaculture Fishing Recreational pelagic fishing from boats Recreational benthic fishing from boats Recreational fishing from shore Recreational dive fishing Recreational kayak fishing Commercial pelagic fishing Commercial fishing w/ benthic fixed gear Commercial fishing w/ benthic mobile gear Commercial dive fishing Commercial algae harvesting Shore-based recreational harvest

  11. Process Visual Data Collection Data Synthesis Tools & Products • Identify experts • Convene workshops • Facilitate mapping • Collect spatial data • Survey participants • Compile GIS data layers • Review workshop notes • Build maps & metadata • Seek feedback & review • Create visualization tools • Compile project report • Build web products • Target outreach

  12. Ocean Use Data Applications • CMSP • MPA Design & Effectiveness • Offshore Energy / Aquaculture • Strategic Conservation Targets • Education and Outreach • Research Prioritization • Coastal Development

  13. The MPA Federal Advisory Committee

  14. Background • Mandated by Executive Order 13158 • Consists of 30 appointed members and non-voting ex officio members • Diverse membership • Current structure: 2 Subcommittees and 1 Working Group

  15. Recent Accomplishments • Letter to NOAA and DOI on CMSP (November 2010, May 2010) • Committee recommendations on cultural heritage resources in the national system (November 2010) • Committee recommendations on climate change in the oceans (April 2010) • Developing an evaluation framework for the National System of MPAs (September 2009 and December 2008) • Linking ocean observing systems to the national system (December 2008) • Developing MPA management principles on compliance and enforcement (May 2008)

  16. Charge: Integrating the National System of MPAs with the Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Initiative • What role should the national system of MPAs play within the broader CMSP initiative? • How can we ensure that conservation is addressed within regional CMSP plans? • How can NOAA and DOI build on the spatial data and decision support tools used to develop the national system to inform CMSP?

  17. Charge: Healthy and Resilient MPA Communities and Land/Sea Interactions • How can the national system help sustain healthy coastal communities? • How can the national system help support community-based MPAs? • How should the national system address important marine-related resources that are not currently considered “marine environment”?

  18. Charge: Guiding the Development of the Cultural Heritage Track of the National System • How can NOAA and DOI best support the participation of cultural heritage MPAs within the national system? • What factors should NOAA and DOI consider in developing the gap analyses for cultural heritage resources?

  19. Potential Areas of Collaboration • Identifying ways in which recreational uses at MPAs contribute to local communities (socio-economics) • Encouraging collection and use of information on human uses of the ocean (including recreation) to inform sound ocean policy • Engaging in National Ocean Policy, including CMSP • Other ideas?

  20. Questions?

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