Monitoring Marine Conservation Areas in the Maritimes
Scientists monitor marine conservation areas, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), marine refuges and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures, over time. Because marine conservation areas are designed to protect ecosystems over the long term and because many ecosystem changes occur slowly, the positive impacts of marine conservation can become more visible over the long term.
In eastern Canada, marine conservation areas can have a positive impact on:
- abundance (for example, an increase in the number of fish)
- density (for example, an increase in the average size of a species)
- diversity (for example, reversing a declining population)
Scientific research and monitoring helps us understand the impacts of marine conservation areas. Our science takes place on the water and in the lab. Scientists use cutting-edge technology to enter, observe, and sample these areas. Some of these technologies include:
- acoustic telemetry. Underwater receivers detect electronic transmitters that have been inserted or attached to an animal, helping scientists understand animal behaviour, habitats, and ecosystem connectivity.
- underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). ROVs can record videos, take photos, and collect samples at various water depths. This contributes to our knowledge about offshore ecosystems and the threats they face.
- hydrophones. These underwater microphones detect and record sound in the marine environment. Audio recordings help scientists understand how animals use and are protected by marine conservation areas.
- environmental DNA (eDNA). Scientists collect water samples to analyze the genetic material shed by organisms into their environment. Over time, scientists can look at the biodiversity in a conservation area and then make comparisons to other areas.
Learn about recent research and monitoring in Maritimes Region MPAs: