Scientists Called on to Endorse New MPA Consensus Statement

Led by researchers at the University of Queensland, a Guidance Statement has been prepared to better support the design and planning of Australia's National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. Scientists around the globe are now invited to endorse the statement.

Development of the statement has been informed by a literature review, an invited experts workshop, an open forum of experts, and direct engagement with scientists who have detailed scientific knowledge and experience of the issues. The statement thus represents a broad consensus of the contributed opinions of more than 40 scientists active in this field of research. The emphasis is on the examination and interpretation of evidence to identify a set of operational principles relevant to the scientific aspects of MPA selection, design, and implementation.

Professional scientists and their organisations may provide an endorsement and provide feedback via the following link to University of Queensland's Ecology Centre: http://ecology.uq.edu.au/.