A monitoring framework for SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

The SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area (SK̲-B MPA) is co-managed by the Haida Nation (as represented by the Council of the Haida Nation, CHN) and the Government of Canada (as represented by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO) to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity and biological productivity of the area. In 2019, the SK̲-B MPA Management Board published the management plan detailing the ecological conservation goals of the MPA. In this research document, we provide an ecosystem review and list indicators (ecosystem components and metrics), protocols (e.g., tools), and strategies related to monitoring the SK̲-B MPA conservation objectives. Indicator ecosystem component groupings were generated for biological, environmental, and stressor ecosystem components, incorporating anticipated changes (e.g., climate change, recovery from fisheries) and specific indicator species where appropriate. Metrics for ecosystem component groupings were described, then linked to standard protocols and strategies used in the respective scientific fields (e.g., ecology, geology, oceanography). Information and best practices for designing a monitoring program, such as existing baseline data, statistics, sampling design, feasibility, and data management were also discussed. Ecosystem function and trophic structure were examined through a conceptual food web model. The proposed monitoring framework was then evaluated against the ecological conservation objectives to support adaptive and iterative re evaluation of plans as an essential part of the MPA management process. A key result of the monitoring framework is connecting the four major components (i.e., the ecological objectives and the monitoring indicators, protocols, and strategies). Priorities and combinations are recommended to address the six ecological operational objectives, with the caveat that some information is unknowable at this time and that new or improved information (e.g., resolved through monitoring) should feed back into the frameworks and plans. The information in this paper was presented in support of a Canadian Science Advisory process (peer-reviewed May 3–5, 2022) and will be used by practitioners and managers to develop an appropriate and effective monitoring plan for the SK̲-B MPA. This monitoring framework covers a great deal of generally and regionally relevant information and may support the development of monitoring frameworks and plans for other protected areas, especially in the case of the proposed Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsigis (TḥT) MPA to the south.