Summary of New Zealand research projects relevant to the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area

This paper provides a summary of research projects and activities led by New Zealand researchers that are relevant to spatial planning, monitoring and research in relation to the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area. The inventory includes: (1) research to establish “baseline” environmental and ecological conditions in the Ross Sea region; (2) “process-based” research to understand environmental and ecological processes and interactions; (3) modelling, assessment and simulation research related to the fishery for Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea region. The intention of this paper is to present the information so that it is useful to researchers in three ways. First, to help researchers to identify existing (historical) New Zealand data for retrospective analysis. Second to identify New Zealand scientists and research expertise to facilitate new collaborative research internationally. Third, to identify upcoming (future) research activities so that possibilities for international collaboration are maximised.