Identification of Monitoring Indicators, Protocols, and Strategies for Five Marine Refuges in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Abstract

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has recognized five large offshore Fisheries Act Marine Refuges (MRs) in the NL Region that meet the criteria for Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and contribute 97,297 km2 to Canada’s marine conservation targets. The five MRs (Hopedale Saddle, Hawke Channel, Funk Island Deep, Northeast Newfoundland Slope, and Division 3O Coral Closure) differ in size, distance from shore, and depth ranges, but can be grouped by their biodiversity conservation benefits (BCBs) – Atlantic Cod and benthic habitat, and corals, sponges and biodiversity. DFO has developed a scientific monitoring approach to report on the status and trends of the BCBs in the five MRs. The scientific monitoring approach is based on Core and Complementary Monitoring that will be supplemented as needed by Targeted Research. Core Monitoring uses a set of standardized survey methods and protocols across all five MRs. Complementary Monitoring leverages data collected for purposes other than monitoring MRs. Targeted Research addresses methodological and ecological knowledge gaps relevant to the MRs. Indicators for Atlantic Cod, corals, sponges, biodiversity, indirect Biodiversity Conservation Benefits (BCBs), oceanography, and human pressures have been identified, but these will be further assessed and prioritized for the purposes of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Limit reference levels or target levels for each indicator should be identified as early as possible for the purposes of monitoring and reporting and to inform adaptive management. Core Monitoring survey methods and protocols may be refined, particularly during the early years of the program, with a goal of adopting consistent approaches which will generate time series that can be used to assess status and trends of the BCBs. Sampling sites within MRs were selected according to BCB groupings. Reference sites have also been identified outside coral and sponge MRs as part of Targeted Research. Additional sites should be sampled in deep areas (i.e., >1,500 m) of coral and sponge MRs to characterize baseline conditions. Power analyses showed low statistical power of multispecies trawl survey data to detect changes in Atlantic Cod abundances within the Funk Island Deep and Hawke Channel MRs. Nevertheless, multispecies trawl survey data are important for collecting biological samples and other data relating to biodiversity indicators that are not provided by Core Monitoring methods. Power analyses showed adequate statistical power of drop camera data to detect changes in coral and sponge abundances collected in Hopedale Saddle. While DFO should ensure that it has the ability to deliver the Core Monitoring program independently, leveraging capacity and expertise from other internal and external groups through collaborations is important for delivering the monitoring program as it has been designed. Given the large volume and diversity of data generated by the program, a data management plan has been developed that provides management strategies for all stages of the data lifecycle, including data storage (e.g., cloud) and sharing. Tools developed for data processing, analysis, and reporting should be stable, reliable, and easy to maintain, and include automated processes (e.g., Artificial Intelligence), where applicable. The establishment of a relevant and effective monitoring program would benefit from ongoing dialogue with management on the information that would be required to inform potential adaptive management actions.