Gulf of Maine Projects

1997 Marine Protected Areas Project

Background on the Marine Protected Areas Project

The Gulf of Maine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Project seeks to consider the establishment of a network or system of MPAs. There has been increasing emphasis on MPAs as a tool to address some of the marine resource issues contributing to the decline of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Their use is consistent with the goals and objectives of several existing programs including: Canada's Ocean's Act, the US Marine Sanctuary Program, and the NMFS Habitat Conservation Program. A series of linked or coordinated sites would accelerate conservation measures and facilitate the transmission of information throughout the Gulf of Maine region. Most importantly, a network would help to build a framework for an ecosystem approach to the management of marine resources.

In April, 1997, a binational workshop was held on the subject of MPAs in the Gulf of Maine. Participants representing a diversity of jurisdictions and perspectives came together to discuss the need for and value of a coordinated approach to designating MPAs in the Gulf. Workshop participants agreed upon the following:

Vision Statement:

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) represent a tool to understand and protect Gulf of Maine ecosystems and achieve sustainable use of marine resources.

Guidelines for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Gulf of Maine:

Marine Protected Areas in the Gulf of Maine should be:

• considered as tools to be used both proactively and opportunistically for protecting Gulf of Maine ecosystems, habitats, and species;
• planned, implemented, and managed with the participation of all important stakeholders;
• based on a set of clearly defined objectives and human uses
• developed incrementally and equitably over time;
• built upon existing programs and structures;
• coordinated across jurisdictions and organizations to better reflect the structure and functions of the marine ecosystem;
• based on accurate information and sound scientific understanding;
• monitored and adaptively managed.

Recommended Actions:

Workshop participants elected to form a MPAs Committee to work in partnership with the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. This Committee, representing a diversity of perspectives in the Gulf of Maine region, will evaluate and act upon activities which support the application of MPAs as a tool for protecting and managing Gulf of Maine (GOM) ecosystems, habitats and their species. Activities to be considered included:

• Investigation of existing lists for candidate MPA sites;
• Compilation and analysis of existing laws, programs, and legal mechanisms relating to MPAs;
• Production of a GIS map displaying existing MPAs in the Gulf;
• Creation of an electronic database on MPAs in the GOM;
• Investigation and recommendation of a nomination process for MPA candidate sites which builds on existing programs;
• Build on existing programs to develop selection criteria for MPAs in the GOM;
• Development of education materials that articulate the need for and value of MPAs in the GOM.

The Project is currently being hosted by the Marine Policy Center at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and several of the activities identified by workshop participants are already underway. Major financial contributors to the project are: The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment; the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; the Maine State Planning Office; the Maine Department of Marine Resources; Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans; and the New England Aquarium.