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Identifying National System Conservation Gaps> National System > Identifying Conservation Gaps Identifying National System Conservation GapsThe purpose of the ecological gap analysis is to inform the MPA planning efforts of marine management agencies across all levels of government by identifying coastal, estuarine, marine and Great Lakes areas that contribute to the priority conservation objectives of the national system and that may benefit from additional protection. Identifying conservation gaps is a critical step towards achieving the conservation objectives of the national system. These gaps are areas in the ocean and Great Lakes that meet priority conservation objectives of the national system, but that are not currently or adequately protected to ensure their long-term viability. The MPA Center will work collaboratively with partners in each region to complete gap analyses for U.S. marine ecosystems. The MPA Center's initial ecological gap analysis will assess the priority conservation objectives for the system's natural heritage and sustainable production goals. The cultural heritage goal priority conservation objectives will be addressed in a separate process. Ongoing WorkCalifornia Marine Protected Area Spatial Resource Assessment: Proof of Concept Project Summary The benefit to this new MPA Spatial Resource Assessment approach is that NOAA can produce a national conservation product in a relatively short period of time. This work can then be presented as a potential natural resource conservation approach to the broader CMSP initiative as the regional planning bodies begin to develop their coastal and marine spatial plans. The goal is to develop integrated products that meet the goals of both the CMSP initiative and continued development of the national system. Where will the MPA Center’s Spatial Resource Assessment be Conducted? Products to be developed:
Case Studies of Other Ecosystem Assessments
Links
Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, July 19, 2010 For More Information, contact |
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