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This briefing outlines the NOAA Habitat Blueprint for the Southeast and Caribbean Region, focused on improving habitat conditions and making decisions in an ecosystem context. It discusses the four key approaches of implementing regional habitat initiatives, establishing habitat focus areas, strategic habitat science, and strengthening policy and legislation. The briefing also includes information on the selection process of habitat focus areas and the timeline for implementation planning.
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NOAA Habitat Blueprint-Focus Area SelectionSoutheast and Caribbean Region Briefing to the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council April 23, 2014
Blueprint Guiding Principles • Prioritize resources and activities across NOAA to improve habitat conditions • Make decisions in an ecosystem context and consider competing priorities • Leverage partnerships • Improve delivery of habitat science to facilitate decision making
Four Key Approaches • Implement short-term regional habitat initiatives • Establish longer-term geographic Habitat Focus Areas • Implement a systematic and strategic approach to habitat science • Strengthen policy and legislation
Habitat Focus Areas NOAA Regional Collaboration Framework Two HFAs selected in February; rollout planned for end of April Two HFAs selected;beginning implementation planning Northwest: building on existing Puget Sound Initiative Implementation planning and execution started in Russian River Watershed Discussions ongoing to decide whether to move forward in FY14 Beginning scoping process; selection expected mid/late summer Two HFAs selected; beginning implementation planning Selection expected in May
Selecting Habitat Focus Areas • Team of NOAA scientists and managers from across NOAA’s line offices. Focus Area Selection Team (FAST) • Oceans and Atmospheric Research – Atlantic Oceanographic and Mete0rological Laboratory, Ocean Acidification, Sea Grant • National Ocean Service– Marine Sanctuaries, Coral Program, NCCOS, CSC/OCRM • National Weather Service • NOAA Fisheries– Southeast Regional Office and Science Center, Restoration Center
Southeast and Caribbean Decision Criteria Advancing Blueprint outcomes (Fish populations, T&E species, protected areas, resilient communities, increased recreation) Demonstrate long-term impacts Feasibility of progress in 3-5 years Cross-NOAA collaboration External partnerships Improves scientific understanding Leverage or capitalize on resources and investments Consistent with regional initiatives • Transferability to other regions/ parts of country • Benefit to local economies and communities • Build off of existing activities, relationships
Timeline • January: Form a Focus Area Selection Team • February: Finalize decision criteria • March – April: Design a stakeholder strategy • May: NOAA line offices identify candidate Focus Areas • June: Narrow list of potential candidate Focus Areas • July: Conduct Focus Area Selection workshop • Aug: Finalize and announce selected Areas • September to October: Start implementation planning
Key Entry Points for Stakeholder Engagement • April: Learn about selection process, provide CFMC habitat priorities, make suggestions for Candidate Habitat Focus Areas • Summer 2014: Comment on Candidate Habitat Focus Areas (via formal web survey) • Fall 2014:Partner during implementation planning
Follow Up With Co-Chairs: • Howard Schnabolk, NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center howard.schnabolk@noaa.gov • George Sedberry, NOAA, National Ocean Service, National Marine Sanctuaries george.sedberry@noaa.gov