The development of Research and Monitoring Plan for CCAMLR MPAs

Research and Monitoring Plan (RMP) is pivotal to the development and implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs). CM 91-04 requires RMP to be adopted by the Commission in that without a well-developed RMP, there would be no ways to acquire best scientific evidence available to inform management plan, regular review process and future decision making, let alone achieving the conservation goals of MPAs. To develop RMP, we need baseline data, translate conservation goals or general statements into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic and time-bound (SMART) management objectives, identify indicators, define states of system or decision triggers, develop management actions in relation to decision triggers. In this regards, the CEMP might be a precedent to be followed. CM91-04 obliges the proponent(s) to develop and introduce RMP. The introduction of RMP should be meaningful; the obligation would not be fulfilled until the proposed RMP is adopted by CCAMLR.