Scoping Study Aims to Close Scientific Gaps in Coral Triangle Marine Protected Area Management

USAID’s Coral Triangle Support Partnership completed a scoping study on March 15, 2012, that identified major scientific gaps that need to be addressed to establish and manage an effective Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) marine protected area (MPA) system. These gaps include the need for scientific data to understand key biological and physical factors necessary for MPA network design, such as ocean currents, habitat types, spawning and nesting areas, among others.

The study also highlighted the need for scientific assessments to understand social factors, such as community attitudes and beliefs about the marine environment, traditional knowledge, and customary marine tenure systems.

The study interviewed 150 representatives from government, non-government organizations, and scientific institutions working in the Coral Triangle. Its findings will guide decision-makers and development partners in providing targeted technical assistance to ensure scientific needs are addressed at the community, national, and regional levels. The study also includes a list of scientists who are willing to provide technical assistance as needed.

The full study can be downloaded from this link.