Spatial analyses of flagship species to empower marine conservation NGO research to inform policy.

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Many populations of marine species are under threat from exploitation, habitat degradation and climate change. In response many governments are adopting the use of MPAs as a management tool to alleviate some of impacts of these pressures. Such strategies require detailed knowledge of habitat composition, species distribution, and identification of areas of high density of indicator species and habitats of conservation concern. MCS and ZSL have been involved in the monitoring and designation of MPAs in TCI and the Philippines and this Innovation Internship will create a partnership between the University of Exeter (UoE) and these two NGOs to advise, support and analyse the data collected to date. The intern, Dr Philip Doherty (PD), will utilise a suite of analytical tools developed during his PhD (Natural Environment Research Council UK funded), to provide robust scientific evidence that can inform the strategic implementation of MPA designation.PD will share his experience and knowledge of analysing spatially explicit data to maximise the potential of these novel and unique datasets collected by the NGO partners. In return, the NGO partners will share invaluable expertise on delivering evidence based results to stakeholders and policymakers in the most beneficial way to obtain conservation targets. This collaboration will provide a sustainable relationship with multiple benefits for both partners that extend beyond the duration of the Internship. The Convention for Biological Diversity Aichi Targets strategic goals includes the conservation of at least 10% of coastal and marine ecosystems by 2020. Recently there has been a focus on designating remote Very Large Marine Protected Areas (VLMPAs), which can offer substantial levels of protection. However, in order to achieve the Aichi Targets through MPA designation, likely a combination of MPA types, including networks of smaller MPAs will be needed, especially in more intensely used areas. The designation of effective MPAs will stem from baseline data on habitats and species of conservation concern. Using telemetry data to describe large marine vertebrate movement will provide insight into space-use of a largely unknown life stage and will allow for understanding of the suitability of the boundaries of established MPAs. Long-term monitoring of MPAs and areas outside protected areas on several key habitat types and indicator species will allow for robust investigation into spatial and temporal trends within these regions to identify areas of risk and provide empirical data that can feed into community and national management strategies.This project will provide a high profile impact case-study, and will result in on-going and long-lasting impact for both partners, providing the opportunity for partners to develop further funding bids and projects together.