Today, I am delighted to launch an exciting new ocean technology portal, Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager, to help strengthen the management of marine protected areas (MPAs).
This portal has been a long time in the making. Its development has been driven by my commitment to strongly protected MPAs which are effectively enforced and managed, and that can deliver real benefits to the communities who rely on a healthy ocean.
MPAs are essential tools for building resilience to rising sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification, and they help create safe havens for biodiversity and fish stocks to replenish.
After more than a decade working with governmental bodies, NGOs, indigenous peoples and local communities to create MPAs around the world, I saw a clear need for openly accessible ocean data tools to ensure that, once created, these MPAs don’t become paper parks.
My vision was of a platform for decision-makers to have access to more and better ocean data, that is easy to use, and can support MPA planning, design and management, and scientific research.
This is why I partnered with Global Fishing Watch to develop Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager, to ensure robust and science-based management to fully realize the vital contribution of protected areas, and with time, monitor the quality, efficiency and impact of those protections on the long term.
Learn more about Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager