Scoping Study Aims to Close Scientific Gaps in Coral Triangle Marine Protected Area Management

USAID’s Coral Triangle Support Partnership completed a scoping study on March 15, 2012 that identified major scientific gaps that need to be addressed to establish and manage an effective Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) marine protected area (MPA) system. These include the need for scientific data to understand key biological and physical factors necessary for MPA network design such as ocean currents, habitat types, spawning and nesting areas, among others.

It also noted the need for scientific assessments to understand social factors such as attitudes and beliefs on the marine environment, traditional knowledge, and customary marine tenure systems.

The study interviewed 150 representatives from government, non-government organizations and scientific institutions working in the Coral Triangle. It will guide decision makers and development partners in providing targeted technical assistance to ensure that the scientific needs are addressed at the community, national and regional level. The study has a list of scientists who are willing to provide technical assistance as the need arises.

The study can be downloaded from this link