Identification of reference sites and a scientific monitoring approach for the Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area / M. Warren [and 14 others].: Fs70-5/2026-042E-PDF

"Canada has committed to increasing protection of our oceans, up to 30% by 2030. As part of that overall plan, the Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established under the Oceans Act in 2019. The Laurentian Channel MPA is a relatively large area covering approximately 11,580 km², and hosts a wide range of species and habitats. In order to effectively manage such a large area and allow for adaptive management, monitoring should occur; therefore the establishment of a scientific monitoring program is an important component of the overall management plan. The focus of the scientific monitoring program will be to collect data to assess and interpret the status and trends of the Conservation Objective (CO) priority species/taxa (sea pens, Black Dogfish (Centroscyllium fabricii), Smooth Skate (Malacoraja senta), Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus), Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus), and Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)), as well as overall biodiversity for the Laurentian Channel MPA. Building on previous national and regional guidance, we develop a scientific monitoring approach that strategically supplements existing regional programs (Complementary Monitoring) with additional practical, and feasible monitoring (Core Monitoring and Targeted Research) while maintaining a scientifically robust monitoring program. The four elements of that approach are: 1. reference, or monitoring sites; 2. survey methods and strategies; 3. indicators; and 4. study design. It is intended that this approach can also be used as a template for other marine conservation areas in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) region, enabling the possibility of integrated regional conservation area assessments for common indicators. Many unknowns remain and this program will require re-evaluation and refinement (particularly after field trials) to assess whether MPA objectives will be achieved over the long term"--Abstract, page iv.

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publications.gc.ca/pub?id=9.962624&sl=0

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