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Research & monitoring

Research and Monitoring

The Marine Parks Strategic Research Framework 2010-2015 sets the direction for research and monitoring in NSW marine parks. The Framework:

coordinates the research and monitoring done by partner agencies in NSW
provides guidance to the marine research community on the principal research and monitoring needs that need to be addressed for effective management of marine parks in NSW
shows current, proposed and anticipated research projects for 2010–2015, including continued support for the comprehensive habitat mapping program
increases the focus on system-wide research such as using Baited Remote Underwater Video
increases support for social and economic research.

The Framework identifies 30 research activities which will be conducted by the Marine Parks Authority, receive significant funding and operational support from the Authority, or are important components of research into marine parks which are part of the whole of government approach to marine biodiversity conservation and will be led by other agencies.

The Framework was developed through the advice of the Marine Parks Advisory Council, local marine park advisory committees and the annual Marine Parks Authority research planning workshop which involves marine park scientists, scientific representatives on the Advisory Council and Advisory Committees, additional researchers active in marine parks and representatives from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Industry and Investment NSW and other relevant state government agencies.

The Marine Parks Advisory Council will receive updates on the implementation of the Framework.

Independent review of marine park science

Preparation of the Marine Parks Strategic Research Framework 2010-2015 was based on an independent review of marine park science.

The review was completed by an independent three member team:

Professor Peter Fairweather (Flinders University – South Australia) - Chairperson
Professor Colin Buxton (University of Tasmania)
Dr Jacqueline Robinson (University of Queensland).

The review examined the Strategic Framework for Evaluation and Monitoring of Marine Parks – March 2004 and Marine Parks Strategic Research Plan 2005-10, the key documents guiding marine park research. It was completed in 2009 with the release of the report Independent Review of Marine Park Science in NSW.

The review found that the reputation of the scientific work being done in marine parks is on the whole excellent and the current capability in NSW for seabed mapping is probably the best within Australia. The 24 recommendations on future research directions in the review report have been accepted by the Marine Parks Authority.

The Marine Parks Strategic Research Framework 2010-2015 is the primary response to the recommendations in the review report.

All 24 recommendations in the Independent Review of Marine Park Science in NSW report have been accepted and will be implemented primarily through the Marine Parks Strategic Research Framework 2010-2015 which sets the direction for the next five years of research. with the priority to monitor, evaluate and modify marine park boundaries and zoning arrangements.

Annual research work plans

The well-developed research and monitoring program in NSW marine parks has around 69 research projects underway, supported by a budget of about $1 million in 2010-11.