Thematic Networking Session Session number: NS02 Date: Tuesday 30/11/21 Time: 09:00 - 10:30 Location: Novotel - Room Backstage
Online presentation: https://b.link/mndb5r
Coordination: Lobna BEN NAKHLA, Susana SALVADOR - SPA/RAC, ACCOBAMS
Abstract:
Robust information on Mobile species occurrence, distribution and ranges is the baseline to perform any further in depth investigation and to gain insights on the conservation status of the target populations. These are therefore crucial to feed conservation and management actions at the diverse temporal and spatial scale. Many mobile species (e.g. Cetaceans, marine turtles seabirds…) in the Mediterranean Sea are protected under statutory regulations and by several international agreements such as ACCOBAMS, the Barcelona Convention…among others, which not only indicates to some extent the priorities in terms of conservation, but also clearly states the details of monitoring activities that should be in place. By consequence, such information and the process to gather them are necessary to abide to national and international regulations.
Case studies
The Marine Mammal Management Toolkit: A tool for managers and policymakers
Speaker: Francis STAUB, EU Ocean Governance project
Abstract:
Marine mammals play a crucial role in marine ecosystem function, providing valuable ecosystem services. However, many continue to be adversely impacted by human activity and are often underrepresented in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plans, commonly as a result of low capacity, lack of resources and/or knowledge to implement such plans. To address this, the Marine Mammal Twinning, a part of the EU-funded Ocean Governance Project, has designed and created a toolkit for the inclusion of marine mammals into MPAs, to build the capacity of MPA managers, and to share knowledge and good practices. The toolkit contains three core components: factsheets ; Self-Assessment Tool ; and Good Practices - all of which are constantly evolving and updated. The presentation will provide an insight into the Marine Mammal Management Toolkit, introducing each component, and its applicability through a range of settings alongside its potential use to support the Post-2020 MPA Roadmap.
Harmonization and centralization of cetacean monitoring data within the MPA network in the French Mediterranean Sea
Speaker: Hélène LABACH MIRACETI
Abstract:
As part of a program implemented since 2018 to promote the management of cetaceans within the network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the French Mediterranean Sea, the French Office of Biodiversity (FOB) and the NGO MIRACETI developed and implemented a framework to centralize harmonized cetacean monitoring data collected by MPAs. A dedicated standard protocol for use by managers of MPAs has been created on the Obsenmer application, and a common database automatically centralizing the data collected through the app has been developed and is managed by the FOB. This action aims to support the implementation of an integrated monitoring of cetaceans and the evaluation of population indicators at the network and regional level, in particular for the MFSD monitoring program. The use of this tool is encouraged and supported through theoretical and practical training, individual support and feedback exchanges
Support mechanism for filling key knowledge gaps for vulnerable species (marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles and elasmobranchs) impacted by fisheries in selected areas of the Mediterranean.
Speaker: Lobna BEN NAKHLA,SPA/RAC
Abstract:
The impact of fisheries on non-target, highly mobile species, including marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles and elasmobranch fish species, are known to include both ecosystem impacts (e.g. removal of prey, degradation of habitat) and direct interactions (mortality, disturbance, and human conflicts) and one of the important concerns on the global scale. In our rather-sensitive Mediterranean Sea, bycatch (the incidental capture of non-target/non-commercial species) is a key conservation issue, and it particularly affects marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles and the elasmobranchs. These animals usually follow a slow-growing, slow breading life cycles, which makes them very susceptible to changes in their population number or structure. The other issue is that the Information on the movement, distribution, population and demography of some of these vulnerable species is rather patchy, fragmented or out-of-date which can have a drawback on taking any steps or conservation measures when necessary.
