The identification of scientific reference areas in the wider context of MPA planning – report of the CCAMLR scholarship recipient

Domain 1 faces changes to the climate and changes in the operation of the fishery, in which the recent D1MPA preliminary proposal is of particular importance. In this context, the identification of a comprehensive network of reference areas across environmental gradients can play a major role and have significant benefits in understanding change. Existing monitoring programmes and study sites in Domain 1, including integrating programmes such as SOOS, are a strong foundation on which to build scientific reference areas and facilitate coordination and cooperation among Members, as part of a Research and Monitoring Plan for D1MPA.