Research Activities Panel Meeting Summary August 2001

Research Activity Panel Meeting Summary
Chris Harrold, Monterey Bay Aquarium, RAP Chair

Host: UC Sea Grant
Friday August 10, 2001 9am-12pm
Attendance: 13 RAP members, 8 guests

PRESENTATIONS

Institutional Update: UC Sea Grant (Rick Starr)

Rick Starr gave an institutional update on UC Sea Grant including recent publications and budget information. He then summarized several projects that he is currently involved in. He is in the process of updating the Fishery Resources in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. In the updated version data from 1980 through 2000 will be used. It will be based on guilds and habitats, as well as species of fish landed in the five Sanctuary ports. Rick also works on transport and movement of fishes relative to marine reserves by placing sonic transmitter tags in green-spotted rockfish, bocaccio, and lingcod.

For more information please see: www-csgc.ucsd.edu

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Update on the request from the Conservation Working Group for technical information related to Marine Reserves (Erica Burton)

Erica prepared a draft response to the CWG letter and presented it to the RAP. The RAP provided Erica with additional references to cite when answering the questions. Erica will incorporate the RAP's suggestions into the letter and forward it on to the subcommittee for approval (Greg, Andrew, Chris, Rick). The letter will be sent to RAP members for final comments before going to the CWG.

Review of RAP Comments on Marine Protected Areas (Rick Starr)

Rick only received one email from one RAP member regarding comments on the CDFG MLPA initial draft concepts. One member expressed their lack of interest due to the lack of scientific evidence. Another member felt that the groups responsible have existing, appropriate insight, and that they are doing a good job. Four RAP members are already involved in the MLPA process through other committees. It was decided that the RAP would not officially comment. Andrew will convey the RAP's message to Bill Douros and the rest of the Sanctuary staff.

Research and RAP priorities for the MBNMS Management Plan Revision (Chris Harrold / Andrew DeVogelaere)

The SAC is looking for input from the working groups on their priorities. Andrew presented the four components of MBNMS Research and what has and has not been accomplished in the last 10 years. The RAP felt the existing four components of the research program were appropriate to maintain: coordinating regional research, monitoring Sanctuary resources, conducting research on management issues, and interpreting technical information to decision makers. Andrew would like specific suggestions about what the RAP would like to see happen in the future for each of the four components. There will be a more thorough discussion at the September meeting to determine Research priorities, strategies, and tactics over the next 5 years. All RAP members are asked to come to the September RAP meeting (date, time, place) prepared to share their views on research priorities for the MBNMS over the next 5 years.

INFORMATION ITEMS

SAC meeting and retreat update (Chris Harrold)

Chris gave the RAP a brief summary of the retreat and SAC meeting. At the retreat internal SAC issues regarding SAC communication courtesy and professionalism were discussed and a hopefully resolved. SAC priorities were also addressed, but too little time was spent discussing the issue. It was agreed that the top priority for the year would be the management plan update. Chris then summarized the agenda items from the SAC meeting. A new flow chart for the management plan review process was presented to the SAC. Handouts were made and distributed to the RAP members.

For more information regarding SAC meetings, please see: http://montereybay.nos.noaa.gov/intro/advisory/advisory.html

Regional Biogeography Assessment (Erica Burton)

Erica gave an overview of the Regional Biogeography Assessment that will be conducted by the NOAA Biogeography Program to support the California Joint Management Plan Review. They will conduct a 1-year assessment of the marine waters off northern and central California to identify important biological zones, time periods, and ecological linkages. Erica mentioned that some RAP members may be contacted to share data sets and information.

Sanctuary Currents update (Andrew DeVogelaere)

The 2002 Sanctuary Currents Symposium will be March 9th at CSUMB. The theme will be New Technologies - Revealing Secrets of the Sea. Mario will be the RAP representative on the planning committee. The RAP should start thinking about award nominees, specifically for the Ricketts Memorial Lecture and the Research Award. Confirmed speakers include Rikk Kvitek, Rick Zimmerman, Steve Haddock, and Bruce Richmond.

SIMoN Proposal Update (Mario Tamburri)

The SIMoN proposal has been submitted to the Packard Foundation. We will receive a decision in mid September. The RFP's for the Duke mitigation money are ready to go. The Foundation is waiting on a few legal issues before releasing them.

Undaria update (Mario Tamburri)

Mario gave an update on the invasive algae, Undaria. It is a Japanese brown algae that has invaded New Zealand and Australia and has recently been found at Catalina Island. Last week it was found in Monterey Harbor. This alga, once established, is hard to get rid of, but it is not as invasive as Caulerpa. Mario will send out more information to the RAP by email.