WEBINAR: Monitoring MPAs: Scaling Protected Areas for Marine Megafauna
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critical in conserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding marine life worldwide. However, assessing their effectiveness in protecting mobile species, such as many marine megafauna, presents significant challenges. This webinar explores these challenges and opportunities as MPA initiatives strike a worldwide stage.
Our exploration begins with comprehensively examining the diverse types of marine protected areas, their conservation objectives, and regulatory mechanisms. We provide insights into monitoring practices and introduce illustrative tools for real-time monitoring. Panelists will specifically discuss examples of protected areas for large, mobile megafauna such as elasmobranchs and marine mammals. Subsequently, we discuss the advantages and hurdles associated with establishing MPAs, emphasising the importance of balancing the stakeholders' needs.
About the Speakers
Dr Christine Ward-Paige is Founder & CEO of eOceans. Christine is known for her work on elasmobranchs, fisheries, and Marine Protected Areas. She conceived and developed the eOceans app and analytics platform - a subscription-based solution that automates data tasks, fostering ethical collaborations and providing real-time insights for impactful action.
Dr James Thorburn is Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at Edinburgh Napier University Centre of Conservation and Restoration Science. James' research is primarily focused on understanding the movements of marine vertebrates, particularly elasmobranchs, in relation to environmental conditions and life history events.
Patrick Lyne is Environmental Consultant at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). He is a chartered marine scientist, specialising in marine mitigation and baseline studies of marine mammals and other megafauna. With a strong background in acoustics. He has been actively involved with the IWDG since 2008.
Dr Patricia Puig is Founder & CEO of Oceanogami. With a PhD in Ocean Management and Marine Protected Areas, she brings extensive expertise in interdisciplinary marine conservation to her role.
