Improving MPA Management
Overview
Science from this programme is helping governments around the world to establish and effectively manage Marine Protected Areas.
For instance, scientists are using research from the programme to understand the impact of removing invasive rodents from oceanic islands around the world. Additionally, the programme has increased our knowledge of key habitats such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
New technologies and methodologies that will assist in the surveillance of MPAs and the detection of IUU fishing are now being tested in the Indian Ocean and further afield. Looking at a large, remote MPA in the Indian Ocean with the absence of direct human impact allows regular monitoring of the effects of climate change and provides data sets that help in the long-term monitoring of the region’s ocean health.