Management of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary involves
monitoring biological resources and effects on the socioeconomic
environment. The goals of monitoring are to establish baseline
data, record changes in resources and evaluate effectiveness of
the Sanctuary. Examples of biological studies include species
abundance and habitat characteristics at sites both within and
outside the Sanctuary boundaries while socioeconomic studies include
fishery landings, boat traffic and recreational activities such
as kayaking and SCUBA diving. Information gathered from these
monitoring activities helps determine the effects the Sanctuary
is having on both biological and cultural communities and provides
staff with information to improve Sanctuary management.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California Department
of Fish and Game and the Channel Islands National Park hosted
a Marine Protected Areas Monitoring Workshop on March 14-16, 2003
at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at
the University of California, Santa Barbara. Over 100 representatives
from the scientific, fishing, business and environmental communities
joined agency staff at the workshop; the public was invited as
observers.
The primary goal of the workshop was to develop preliminary biological
and socioeconomic monitoring plans including: what to monitor;
how to conduct monitoring; when to complete various portions;
how to compile data into an easily accessible source; what funding
and personnel needs exist; and what type of oversight is appropriate.
Several small working groups provided input to help address these
questions and specific biological and economic monitoring topics.
For details on the biological and social Monitoring plans and
recommendations
please see click
here
How
is your MPA doing? Evaluating Effectiveness
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