Review of marine park research and monitoring program
A review of the Strategic Framework for Evaluation and Monitoring of NSW Marine Parks - March 2004 and Marine Parks Strategic Research Plan 2005-10, the key documents guiding marine park research is currently underway.
The review will inform the development of a new research plan for 2010-2015.
An independent three member team has been established to review the current Strategic Framework and Research Plan and includes:
- Professor Peter Fairweather (Flinders University – South Australia) - Chairperson
- Professor Colin Buxton (University of Tasmania) and
- Dr Jacqueline Robinson (University of Queensland)
The review team will provide advice on future research directions according to the following terms of reference.
Terms of reference
Purpose and scope
The Marine Parks Authority recognises the importance of scientific information and analysis in the establishment, zoning, review and monitoring of marine parks.
The Marine Parks Advisory Council is the representative body for peak marine park stakeholders in NSW. The Council advises the Marine Parks Authority and the Ministers for Climate Change and the Environment and Primary Industries on marine parks from a statewide perspective.
The Marine Parks Authority has requested that the Marine Parks Advisory Council review the Strategic Framework for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Marine Parks in NSW – March 2004 (the ‘Strategic Framework’) and the NSW Marine Parks Strategic Research Plan 2005-10 (the ‘Research Plan’).
The Strategic Framework sets out the priorities for research in marine parks:
- major priority 1 – selecting marine parks and their boundaries
- major priority 2 – monitoring, evaluating and modifying marine park boundaries and zoning arrangements
- supporting research – developing a comprehensive research portfolio for each marine park
- reporting research – developing a comprehensive research portfolio for each marine park.
The Research Plan guides current marine park research priorities, the research program for the system of six marine parks in NSW and the research programs for individual marine parks. It is based on the priorities set out in the Strategic Framework.
An expert-based independent review team is to prepare a report to the Marine Parks Advisory Council on the review of the Strategic Framework and Research Plan.
Review of the Strategic Framework and Research Plan is timely given the:
- establishment of large marine parks at Port Stephens–Great Lakes and Batemans
- NSW system of marine parks now includes approximately one-third of NSW marine waters,
- commitment to review zoning plans initially after five years of operation (as set out in the Marine Parks Act 1997)
- increasing awareness of the need to build resilience in marine ecosystems to help adaptation to climate change.
Objectives
The general objective of the review is to assess how the Strategic Framework and the Research Plan can best ensure that the vision for research and monitoring for NSW marine parks is achieved.
The vision set out in the Strategic Framework is:
- locations and boundaries for marine parks and the zoning arrangements within them will have been derived from thorough scientific assessments of all available information and data, to provide the best combination of areas for the conservation of biodiversity
- rigorous research and monitoring are accepted as vital components of ongoing marine park management, and are resourced accordingly
- accurate and timely scientific advice is provided to marine park managers
- scientific information systems and services are established and integrated with those of other organisations with an interest in coastal protection
- the public of NSW and the international scientific community have full confidence in the quality of the research conducted in marine parks.
Specifically, the review is to:
- assess of the appropriateness of the existing Strategic Framework and the Research Plan, in light of the growth of the marine park system and any recent developments in scientific knowledge
- review the effectiveness of implementation of the existing Strategic Framework and the Research Plan
- consider key stakeholder issues with the Strategic Framework and the Research Plan
- report on these matters directly to the Marine Parks Advisory Council.
Reporting
The independent review team will provide a written report to the Marine Parks Advisory Council by 30 November 2009. The report should make recommendations on future directions including:
- research priorities and any existing research gaps
- revisions to the Strategic Framework and the Research Plan
- an effective and efficient research program for the NSW system of marine parks
- development of collaborative research programs.
The report and recommendations should recognise the current resources available for research in marine parks and indicate priorities. The report will be provided to the Minister for Climate Change and Environment and Minister for Primary Industries by the Marine Parks Authority.
Consultation
The independent review team will consult with the Marine Parks Advisory Council’s Science Sub-Committee convened by its marine science representative and including marine scientists appointed to local marine park advisory committees. The review team will also consult with key stakeholders representing a broad range of views, through invited presentations made directly to it. NSW Government staff working on marine parks will be available to address the review team.