Enhancing Resilience in National Marine Sanctuaries through Climate-Informed Ecosystem Restoration
Ecosystem restoration is increasingly important in marine protected areas (MPAs), including U.S. national marine sanctuaries. However, success in enhancing ecosystem resilience and health through restoration can vary, especially as climate change hastens degradation and complicates outcomes of management actions. Innovative approaches are needed. To aid in this effort, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will convene MPA managers, scientists and academics, restoration practitioners, and other stakeholders to:
- discuss climate-informed ecosystem restoration in national marine sanctuaries, including research and restoration needs; and
- identify strategies, funding needs, and partnerships to advance climate-informed ecosystem restoration, with a focus on coral and kelp ecosystems.
Team:
- Katie Lohr, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Affiliate, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
- Jillian Neuberger, NOAA National Marine Protected Areas Center Affiliate, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Protecting Whales in a Changing Climate through Collaboration Across Marine Protected Areas
In the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, the marine heatwave of 2014 – 2016 caused significant declines in krill, driving humpback whales closer to shore in search of food and in harm’s way from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement. This situation exemplifies the challenges large baleen whales face as climate change degrades habitats and exacerbates conflicts with human activity across their range, including within sanctuaries and other marine protected areas (MPAs). With this grant, the Greater Farallones Association will convene participants from Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, the U.S. West Coast and other regions in virtual and in-person workshops to:
- Share knowledge and cultivate a community of practice around whale projection strategies, such as vessel speed reductions programs;
- Establish common goals for conservation with a focus on whales that rely on the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries; and
- Co-develop a strategic plan for coordinated research and conservation.
Team:
- Sara Hutto, Greater Farallones Association and Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
- Jessica Morten, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
- Maria Brown, Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
- Danielle Lipski, Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
- Karen Reyna, Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries