This draft Research and Monitoring Plan identifies a number of scientific research and monitoring activities that will help inform and support the management of the South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf Marine Protected Area designated under CM 91-03. We identify a number of elements for scientific research consistent with the objectives of the MPA, and monitoring that will help evaluate the extent to which these objectives are being achieved. We also encourage the initiation of other research that is consistent with the objectives of the MPA. In 2013, a preliminary draft MPA Report was developed for the SOISS MPA (WG-EMM-13/10), which included elements for a Research and Monitoring Plan. The Working Group recommended that WG-EMM-13/10 should be revised to form three separate documents (WG-EMM-13 paragraph 3.22):
i) Management Plan
ii) Research and Monitoring Plan
iii) MPA Report
We have therefore developed this draft Research and Monitoring Plan for consideration by the Working Group, and would welcome discussion and feedback on its structure and content.
The draft Research and Monitoring Plan provides details on scientific research pursuant to the specific MPA objectives, monitoring to determine the degree to which the specific MPA objectives are being met, and other research consistent with the specific MPA objectives. It also sets out procedures for the submission of data and review of results.