The first workshop on monitoring indicators of marine protected areas of the MARSW, INFORBIOMARES and OMARE projects was held on 11 February. With 44 participants (7 people from ICNF, 1 LPN, 1 IPMA, 2 UC, 5 UE, 1 UA, 6 FCUL 15 CCMAR, 1 ISPA, 5 OMARE). The CCMAR (MARSW and INFORBIOMARES) was in charge of the first of three planned workshops. We lead the preparation of all materials and the structure of the workshop based on a preliminary agenda planned by the workgroup for indicators. LPN supported us with the list of participants and the invitation of guests.

This workshop was the starting point of a discussion process focused on the indicators of monitoring biological and socio-economic effects of marine protected areas (MPAs). The aim is to gather experts’ opinions on the indicators and sampling methodologies, as well as to bring consensus on a systematic classification system for indicators. This action is part of the joint efforts of three projects (MARSW, INFORBIOMARES, OMARE) that intend to provide advisory to ICNF (National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) regarding long term monitoring of national MPAs.

Funding support:

Projects co-funded by POSEUR (MARSW, INFORBIOMARES, OMARE), Fundo Ambiental, Municipalities of Aljezur, Vila do Bispo and Odemira (MARSW), Secil (INFORBIOMARES), Municipality of Esposende, University of Minho (OMARE);

Institutional partner: ICNF;

Beneficiaries: LPN (MARSW and INFORBIOMARES), Municipality of Esposende, University of Minho (OMARE);

Execution and scientific institutions: CCMAR, UEvora, MARE – FCUL, MARE – ISPA, IH, IB-S UMinho / CIIMAR-UP / LSTS-FEUP / Forum Esposendense / VF Marine Consulting.