Consideration of marine non-indigenous species in the planning, management, and monitoring of Canadian marine protected areas

Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool for protecting marine environments. They can help conserve biodiversity, protect endangered species and critical habitats, regulate human activities, and preserve social, economic, and cultural values. Despite these benefits and the increasing use of MPAs, some stressors can jeopardize the effectiveness of an MPA. One important stressor is marine non-indigenous species (NIS), which includes any marine species living outside its native range. Some of these species can cause widespread damage to ecosystems and threaten biodiversity; because MPAs lack physical boundaries between them and surrounding waters, they are not immune to NIS invasion. Marine NIS are a key management concern for many scientists worldwide. However, there is evidence suggesting marine NIS are not adequately considered during MPA planning, management, or monitoring. This research aimed to determine how marine NIS are considered in Canada’s federal MPAs during MPA planning, management, and monitoring. The study included a review of all available federal MPA management plans and structured interviews with MPA practitioners and aquatic invasive species (AIS) practitioners. The results indicate that marine NIS are not given enough consideration in Canadian MPAs. Recommendations include including marine NIS into MPA management plans, increasing the inclusion of marine NIS during MPA planning, increasing collaboration between MPA and AIS practitioners, developing marine NIS awareness and outreach specific to MPAs, and increasing funding for marine NIS management, monitoring, and research. marine protected areas; marine non-indigenous species; non-indigenous species management; aquatic invasive species; Canada