[Webinar Recording] Managing Protected Areas in a Changing Ocean:
Why scientific research is key to informing climate considerations
MPA Shift (University of Leeds, University of the Ryukyus, Urashima-Labo), established to clarify changes in oceans worldwide caused by climate change and support marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization efforts based on scientific findings, participates in the Lenfest Ocean Program. It conducts Kuroshio Current surveys and holds regional study sessions and workshops.
On December 12 at 8:00 AM Japan Standard Time, the project presented its research findings on “Changes in Species and Habitats Due to Climate Change” via an online webinar on Zoom. The archived video is available for viewing.
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This portfolio shows that we can (and should) manage marine areas for climate change. Going forward, marine managers can look at these projects as proof-of-concept and use their methods and results as case studies for their own climate- conscious management.
In Baja California, a forthcoming marine management guide, designed alongside local communities, maps critical climate refugia for kelp. This research sparked interest across Central and South America to create additional region-specific guides for site selection, ecosystem protection, restoration, and management of important species.
In Kenya, a combination of machine learning and local knowledge created a digital platform that summarizes the benefits and costs of siting community closures to marine resources. The platform enables participatory decision-making, and its results have been integrated into local and national spatial planning processes.
In Japan, monitoring changes in coral ecosystems from tropicalization showed complex region-specific shifts in species. These results will help predict future changes, and participatory research methods have built a foundation for cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.
In Indonesia, optimizing multiple zoning scenarios to create priority protection maps and management guidelines provided input to local policymakers to strengthen ecosystem resilience, community livelihoods, and small-scale fisheries management.