New Approach to Marine Protected Area Boundary Design Improves Conservation
Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science have devised a new and improved approach to Marine Protected Area (MPA) design for use by coastal planners. The approach defines potential sizes and shapes of MPA boundaries early in the design process, and allows users to select which variables are most important, that is, preferred biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics. The technique offers advantages in spatially restricted areas, areas where habitat continuity is critical, and situations where an up-front understanding of potential boundaries is required. The technique is a case study for sub-zoning within Gray
Related NCCOS Center(s): CCMA
Shorter web link for sharing: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=1267
