Q 61 - How can reliability/accuracy of the spatial data for MPA identification be improved?

Narrower “Questions”

• Q 64 - How to deal with knowledge gaps on impacts of maritime activities, including cumulative impacts?

• Q 63 - How to deal with knowledge gaps on socio-economic data, including the spatial dimension?

• Q 62 - How to deal with knowledge gaps related to water column data to support establishment of conservation measures offshore?

Related sites

• Western Black Sea

General answer

Improving the reliability and accuracy of spatial data for Marine Protected Area (MPA) identification involves a combination of better data collection, integration, validation, and management practices:

1. Invest in Knowledge Expansion and Data Collection:

• Filling information gaps: This includes gathering high-quality, accessible data on marine ecosystems and stakeholder interests to inform planning processes accurately.

• Multisectoral Data: Combine ecological, socioeconomic, and governance data to reflect the multidimensional nature of MPAs.

• Harmonized Formats: Standardize data formats across sources to ensure compatibility and avoid discrepancies.

• Historical Data: Include time-series data to assess trends and changes in biodiversity and ecosystem conditions.

2. Utilize Participatory Mapping: Engaging local communities and stakeholders through participatory mapping can enrich the spatial data pool.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Data Validation:

• Temporal Updates: Ensure data is up-to-date to reflect recent ecological changes and human activities.

• Monitoring Protocols: Develop systematic monitoring protocols to track MPA conditions and enforce spatial boundaries.

4. Capacity Building and Collaboration

• Training Programs: Train local stakeholders and researchers in geospatial analysis and data collection techniques.

• Collaborative Networks: Partner with global initiatives like EMODnet, Copernicus, or national marine spatial data platforms to access validated datasets.

• Citizen Science: Incorporate community observations and contributions, validated against professional standards.

5. Policy and Governance Support

• Data Sharing Agreements: Foster open data sharing among institutions, ensuring transparency and reduced duplication of efforts.

• Legal Frameworks: Align spatial data collection and processing with international standards like the Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI).

• Ethical Considerations: Address data biases and ensure inclusivity in representing ecosystems and stakeholder interests.

6. Identifying and Leveraging the Best Available Resources

Identifying, accessing, and integrating data from local, national, European, and international infrastructures—both official and non-official—is crucial for comprehensive and accurate MPA identification.

• European and International (Official):

  • EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data Network): Provides harmonized data on bathymetry, habitats, maritime traffic, biodiversity, and human activities. [https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/](https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/)

  • Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS): Offers ocean data, including temperature, salinity, currents, and other parameters for marine planning. https://marine.copernicus.eu/

  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Contains data on species distribution and presence at a global scale. [https://www.gbif.org/](https://www.gbif.org/)

  • OBIS (Ocean Biogeographic Information System): A global archive of marine biodiversity data. [https://obis.org/](https://obis.org/)

  • ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area): Resources and data focused on cetacean conservation. [https://accobams.org/](https://accobams.org/)

• National and Regional:

  • National Geoportals: Official GIS systems hosting data on marine and coastal areas, such as SINAnet in Italy or the Inspire Geoportal in Europe.

  • National Marine Research Institutes: Data from entities like ISPRA (Italy), Ifremer (France), and others.

  • Regional Initiatives: Local initiatives for coastal and marine management, such as Italy’s National Cartographic Portal or data from MPA management consortia.

• Non-Governmental and Open Data:

  • Global Fishing Watch: Data on commercial fishing and maritime traffic to identify anthropogenic threats and pressures. [https://globalfishingwatch.org/](https://globalfishingwatch.org/)

  • OpenStreetMap (OSM): Open-source cartographic data, including coastal elements and anthropogenic infrastructure. [https://www.openstreetmap.org/](https://www.openstreetmap.org/)

  • MarineTraffic: Real-time ship tracking and maritime activity data. [https://www.marinetraffic.com/](https://www.marinetraffic.com/)

  • WWF Marine Initiative: Maps and studies specific to marine habitats and sensitive areas. https://wwf.panda.org/

• Specialized Resources:

  • SeaDataNet: European network for oceanographic and environmental data. [https://www.seadatanet.org/](https://www.seadatanet.org/)

  • BlueHub (Blue Cloud Project): Resources for marine modeling and collaborative science. [https://www.blue-cloud.org/](https://www.blue-cloud.org/)

  • TNC Atlas (The Nature Conservancy): Tools to identify conservation areas. https://maps.tnc.org/

Answers

Operational approaches

• Participatory mapping (Trade-off for MPA Design)

ESE3 - Trade-offs method for protections and restoration in MSP

Practices: Monitoring and evaluation

Operational approaches: (Method) Participatory mapping

References

• Ecological toolkit (ESE1) for MPAs prioritization and networking. Deliverable – D3.4., under the WP3 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)

• Trade-offs method for protection and restoration in MSP (ESE3). Deliverable – D4.3., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)).

• Integrated Ecological-Socio-Economic Management Framework - ESE Step-by-Step guidance (with test site examples and lessons learned). Deliverable D4.5 under under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707). In preparation: expected July 2025.