MarineMap Decision Support ToolMarineMap Decision Support Tool

Will McClintockMarine Science Institute

University of California Santa Barbara

June 24, 2009

Outline

• California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative– Requirements– Stakeholders, Science Advisory Team, Blue Ribbon

Task Force

• MarineMap Decision Support Tool

California Marine Life Protection Act

• Signed into California state law in 1999o Improve the design and management of statewide network

marine protected areas (MPAs) in state waterso Focuses on marine ecosystems and habitats rather than single

species – major shift in management

• Requireso Use of “best readily available science”o Involvement of stakeholders and other interested parties

Six Goals of the MLPASix Goals of the MLPA

1. To protect the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function and integrity of marine ecosystems

2. To help sustain, conserve, and protect marine life populations, including those of economic value, and rebuild those that are depleted

3. To improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems that are subject to minimal human disturbance, and to manage these uses in a manner consistent with protecting biodiversity

4. To protect marine natural heritage, including protection of representative and unique marine life habitats in California waters for their intrinsic value

5. To ensure that California’s MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective management measures, and adequate enforcement, and are based on sound scientific guidelines

6. To ensure that the state’s MPAs are designed and managed, to the extent possible, as a network

MLPA InitiativeMLPA Initiative

• Public-Private Partnership– Initiative Staff

• Fish & Game, Private Contractors• MarineMap Consortium

– Stakeholders • Fishers, Conservationists, Teachers, Scientists, Divers, Artists,

Surfers, Tribal Representatives, Agency Representatives, Politicians, Residents

– Science Advisory Team – Blue Ribbon Task Force

MLPA Initiative Structure

Stakeholders Science Advisory Team (SAT)

Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF)

California Fish and Game Commission

MLPA Initiative Study Regions

• To be completed by 2011– Completed Phase I

and II (29 new MPAs established for Central California in August, 2007)

• Now: Southern California

– Includes Channel Islands

Geospatial Information

HabitatDistribution of kelp, seagrass, substrate types, bathymetry.

BiologicalDistribution of fish, birds, mammals, invertebrates, corals.

PhysicalSea surface temperatures, upwelling, salinity, currents,

CulturalDistribution of ports, coastal access points, cities

SocioeconomicCommercial and recreational fishing, recreational boating, diving

ReferenceExisting MPAs, study area, graticules, nautical charts

Typical Geospatial Analysis

Scientific CriteriaScientific Criteria

• MPA networks are evaluated on the basis of MLPA Goals and Objectives– Adequate representation of habitats– Habitats should be replicated within threshold distance– Minimize socioeconomic impact (commercial / recreational

fishing and other uses)– Boundaries should fall on straight lines– Should achieve maximum level of protection where possible

• Conservation Area (SMCA) vs. Marine Reserve (SMR)• Levels of protection based on allowed uses (species and gear type)

Participatory Process

At stakeholder meetings•Real time collaboration•High pressure environment

At home•Low pressure environment

Current Proposals OnlineCurrent Proposals Online

How is MarineMap Working?

• Very positive feedback from stakeholders– Helps build consensus

• Very heavy usage– 5,000 MPA concepts have been drawn over 5 months– Over 100 unique visitors every day

• Performance is good– Fast with broadband or better

• Developers love it– Open source technologies are flexible, fast, and well supported

• More work to do (always)– Add a spatial commenting system discussion forum

Summary

• MarineMap is:– Easy to use for drawing, analyzing and

sharing MPAs

• May be applied to other geographies– Open Source

• Development is ongoing

Acknowledgments

• Resources Legacy Fund Foundation• California Department of Fish and Game

– Paulo Serpa, Chad Miller

• MLPA Initiative Staff– Evan Fox, Emily Saarman

• MarineMap Development Team– Chad Burt (UCSB), Charles Steinback (Ecotrust), Chris Macdonald (UCSB), Colin

Ebert (UCSB), Jared Kibele (UCSB), Matt Merrifield (TNC), Mike Mertens (Ecotrust), Scott Fletcher (Ecotrust), Alexei Peters (Farallon Geographics), Ken Vollmer (Ecotrust), Tim Welch (Ecotrust), Dennis Wuthrich (Farallon Geographics)