MBNMS: Unique and Rare


	Ecosystem-Based Management Initiative Overview Ecosystem Health Unique and Rare Research Sustainable Uses Research Workshop Report Unique and Rare

Summary of the 2011 Workshop to Inform the Ecosystem–based Management Initiative
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Information gathered related to the four EBM Initiative objectives will be used to inform Sanctuary management and any related decision processes of our partner agencies. Information will also be shared with management agencies including Caltrans, California Coastal Commission, Army Corps of Engineers to help better inform and coordinate management of MBNMS. MBNMS will work to facilitate enhanced coordination and integration of agency objectives to improve ecosystem health.

Unique and/or Rare Features Process

The entire unique/rare process can be described in four main phases: 1) gathering information to identify unique and/or rare features and evaluating threats to those features, 2) gathering feedback on the list of unique and/or rare features and management process, 3) evaluating the implications of current and future management actions by MBNMS and partner agencies related to unique and/or rare features, 4) establishing targets, indicators and a monitoring program to adaptively manage MBNMS to protect unique and/or rare features.

Currently we are in Phase I, which includes defining and identifying unique and/or rare features. A draft list of unique and/or rare features will be developed. The status and threats to the features on the list will be evaluated.

Phase II will provide opportunities for feedback and revision of the draft list of unique and/or rare features list and associated existing/potential threat information.

During Phase III, information on current and proposed management actions that may influence unique and/or rare features will be gathered and evaluated with partner agencies. Based on this comprehensive understanding of the condition and threats to unique and/or rare features, protection strategies not currently being pursued or implemented may be proposed. Many features identified as unique and/or rare may be afforded sufficient protection given the current management regime; therefore in many cases no actions are anticipated. This process is dedicated to facilitating work with partner agencies to collaborate on proposed strategies for instances where current or future threats may jeopardise unique and/or rare features in the sanctuary.

During Phase IV, targets and indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of any proposed actions by MBNMS or partner agencies will be identified. Monitoring related to the effectiveness of management strategies will be conducted to inform the adaptive management approach of MBNMS. An adaptive approach will be used to explore alternative ways to meet EBM Initiative objectives, predicting the outcomes of alternatives based on the current state of knowledge, implementing different alternatives, monitoring effects of management strategies and importantly, using the results to adjust management actions.

Definitions

A feature is a particular component of MBNMS. A feature includes, but is not limited to, species (individuals, populations), biological communities, ecosystems, biological diversity, habitats, geological structures (e.g., rocky reefs, seamounts), processes (e.g., succession, upwelling), submerged cultural resources (e.g., ship wrecks), and human activities (e.g., fishing, research, tourism).

A feature that is unique is one of a kind, remarkable or unusual.

A feature that is rare has a low frequency of occurrence in space and/or time.

An attribute is a quality, characteristic, or inherent part of a feature. Attributes can be used to further describe the feature, and in some cases can be used to prioritize among multiple examples of a certain feature. Examples include spatial scale (geographic extent), temporal scale (likelihood of persistence), exposure to threats, and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this workshop fit into the Ecosystem-based Management Initiative?
The goal of the Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) Initiative is to enhance ecosystem-based management in MBNMS by applying best available science and integrating and coordinating with partner agencies. The EBM Initiative (web link) has 3 main steps: 1) information gathering, 2) proposing, evaluating and implementing strategies and 3) monitoring, assessing and adapting strategies. The primary objectives of the EBM Initiative are to:
- Maintain/restore marine ecosystem health and function;
- Ensure protection of unique and rare features;
- Facilitate research to differentiate between natural variation and human impacts;
- Facilitate ecologically and economically sustainable uses, including fisheries.
The information gathered at this workshop is the first step in understand the status of and threats to unique and/or rare features within the second objective:
ensure protection of unique and/or rare features. This workshop is only the first step for gaining the information needed to understand the status of and threats to unique and/or rare features within the Sanctuary.
How will the information be used?
The information gathered will be used to help the MBNMS understand the status of marine resources within sanctuary boundaries and will provide data needed to achieve our objective of protecting unique and/or rare features. Identifying a feature as unique and/or rare does not necessarily mean that an immediate action is required by MBNMS. Rather this information will be critical to help us understand what unique and rare features occur in the sanctuary, what threats exist, and how existing management is currently protecting these features and consequently, what additional protection measures may be needed.
If a feature is identified as unique and/or rare, does that mean it will become off limits or be designated as a marine reserve?
For each feature, MBNMS in collaboration with experts, stakeholders and the public will consider whether: a) there are existing or future threats to the feature, b) current regulations and management provide adequate protection to the feature, c) another regulatory authority plans to take actions that will influence the feature, and d) other strategies associated with the EBM Initiative will help achieve the objective of protecting unique and/or rare features. Marine reserves or other management actions may be evaluated as a potential strategy for some features under some circumstances.
Have regulatory decisions concerning unique and/or rare features already been made?
No. There are no pre-determined decisions. Proposed strategies will be generated after information is gathered, threats have been identified, and the effectiveness of current management has been evaluated. In addition, management decisions will be made in collaboration with partner agencies and stakeholders and consideration across multiple objectives of the EBM Initiative. When it comes to making decisions, MBNMS will follow established NOAA policy and guidance where applicable.
How will MBNMS coordinate with other partner agencies that may be planning to take actions that protect unique and/or rare features?
Fundamental to the EBM Initiative is coordination and collaboration with regulatory and non-regulatory agencies whose actions influence resource management within the Sanctuary. Information from the unique and/or rare features workshop will be shared with other agencies, and decisions will be made in collaboration with partners and with input from stakeholder groups.

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