Marine Planning

Don't be intimidated by the phrase, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)!

Marine Spatial Planning Initiative

Whole of Island Approach: Integrated Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment

The Conservation Planning Group

Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EbA) Project:  Choiseul, Solomon Islands

By subscribing to the services below you will be sent the latest news and publications on marine protected areas, oceans, planning, policy, science and so forth.

Each month this year, 2016, Green Fire is releasing one short video clip on marine planning from the Great Bear Seas film and other new material.

Scientific research is something all of us were exposed to in school and something we hear routinely in the news.  In principle, science is supposed to interact with agencies and organizations entrusted with managing protected areas and other managed areas.  Science u

Underwater Mapping of Critical Areas Related to Biodiversity Conservation

Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas

• Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): the identification process under the Conventio

Under the U.S.

Marine Species Action Plans

For over 40 years, hydrothermal vents and the communities that thrive on them have been a source of profound discovery for deep-sea ecologists. These ecosystems are found throughout the world on active plate margins as well as other geologically active features.

Corals and coral-associated species are highly vulnerable to the emerging effects of global climate change. The widespread degradation of coral reefs, which will be accelerated by climate change, jeopardizes the goods and services that tropical nations derive from reef ecosystems.

This Guide has been produced to provide practical, science-based advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of both new and existing shark and ray MPAs, to ensure these animals are protected now and far into the future.

A Primer on Marine Protected Areas

A regulation-based classification system for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

A regulation-based classification system for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Rapid anthropogenic climate change is a major threat to ocean biodiversity, increasing the challenge for marine conservation.

An Assessment of the Costs and Benefits of Mining Deepsea Minerals in the Pacific Island Region: Deep-sea Mining Cost-Benefit Analysis

This report outlines the process undertaken to define and describe the special, unique marine areas of Fiji.

Low-cost, portable, observation-class, underwater remotely operated vehicles (microROVs), which can be transported and operated by a single user, are increasingly common tools in scientific, industrial, commercial, and recreational ocean application.

Catchment Management and Coral Reef Conservation

The ecology of many coral reefs has changed markedly over recent decades in response to various combinations of local and global stressors.

The aim of the present report is to provide a comparative assessment of commonly used pelagic sampling methods.

Conservation standards: From rights to responsibilities

Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

In April 2011, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) embarked on the Global Reef Expedition (GRE)- the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history. The GRE was a rigorous five-year scientific mission to study coral reefs around the world.

Coral reefs underpin a range of ecosystem goods and services that contribute to the well‐being of millions of people. However, tropical coral reefs in the Anthropocene are likely to be functionally different from reefs in the past.

Draft Precautionary Management of Deep Sea Mining Potential in Pacific Islan

The UN General Assembly has made a unanimous decision to start negotiations to establish an international, legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity within Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).

Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) and Commercial Activities

Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) Special places in the world’s oceans (Western South Pacific)

These Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Coastal Tourism Development in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (Guidelines) represent a sector specific version of SPREP’s regional EIA Guidelines first published in 1993 and recently expanded and updated in 2016.

Converting assemblages of marine protected areas (MPAs) into functional MPA networks requires political will, multidisciplinary information, coordinated action and time.

Deep-sea mining (DSM) may become a significant stressor on the marine environment.

First World Ocean Assessment

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has released their findings from the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition ever conducted in French Polynesia.

To safeguard biodiversity effectively, marine protected areas (MPAs) should be sited using the best available science. There are numerous ongoing United Nations and nongovernmental initiatives to map globally important marine areas.

Global Environment Outlook
GEO - 6
Regional Assessment for Asia and the Pacific

Global Observing Systems Information Center (GOSIC) - NOAA

States at the United Nations have begun negotiating a new treaty to strengthen the legal regime for marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Pomeroy, R.S., Parks, J.E., Watson, L. M. 2004.  How is Your MPA Doing? A Guidebook of Natural and Social Indicators for Evaluating Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK

The high seas begin 200 nautical miles from coastal shores, beyond the jurisdiction of any country. Their vast expanse and distance from shore pose challenges for exploration and knowledge gathering.

Identifying and mitigating potential impacts of seabed mining on whale, dolphins and other marine megafauna 

The oceans are facing more threats now than at any time in history. Yet a nascent industry is ramping up to exert yet more pressure on marine life: deep sea mining.

IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Task Force on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (MMPATF)