SOUTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS: New Research and Monitoring Plan Launched
Supporting Compliance Monitoring and Reporting in Marine Protected Area
A new Research and Monitoring Plan has been launched to support the management of the South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA), a vital conservation initiative aimed at conserving the region’s rich marine biodiversity. The announcement was made in the January edition of the South Georgia Newsletter.
Background on the MPA
The MPA, designated in 2012, provides a framework for marine environmental management and research while allowing sustainable use. Since its inception, evidence-based management has been a top priority, with ongoing reviews confirming that the MPA is meeting its objectives.
Need for a Research and Monitoring Plan
A review conducted in 2017/18 highlighted gaps in current knowledge and the need for a Research and Monitoring Plan to prioritize conservation efforts. A project funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Plus Initiative was undertaken by the British Antarctic Survey in partnership with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) to develop a draft plan.
Objectives of the New RMP
The new Research and Monitoring Plan is designed as a framework to guide scientific activities, encouraging scientists and stakeholders to collect, access, and analyze data on the SGSSI marine ecosystem. The plan aims to:
- Contribute to an increased understanding of the SGSSI marine ecosystem
- Assess the nature and extent of change
- Assess specific threats to biodiversity
- Provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of the MPA
- Inform the development of enhanced and responsive management as required
Activities Included in the RMP
The activities included in the RMP include ongoing monitoring, research, and evaluation of potential threats such as:
- Climate change
- Fishing
- Invasive species
- Tourism
- Scientific activities
The plan’s goals are centered around improving our understanding of the SGSSI marine ecosystem and informing science-based management decisions.
Quote from Dr. Susie Grant
“The Research and Monitoring Plan identifies key research questions to improve our understanding of the SGSSI marine ecosystem and how it is responding to change. It is a valuable resource to help scientists and stakeholders plan scientific activities that will contribute to the ongoing, science-based management of the MPA.”
Integrated Online MPA Data Portal
In addition to the RMP, the Darwin Plus project has also developed an integrated online MPA Data Portal, which will bring together geographic information system (GIS) data on:
- Ecology
- Physical environments
- Human activities
- Scientific research
The portal is expected to be launched later this year and will enhance and support MPA management.