01Importance of hotspots for the design and creation of marine protected areas
Marine protected areas should be designed to protect critical habitats of sharks and rays
Use of hotspots by sharks and rays
Sharks and rays distribute at specific areas and sites in the oceans and not haphazardly. These locations tend to be small (a few square kilometers or less in surface area) where critical activities for their survival are carried out such as mating, pupping, feeding, refuging, thermoregulating, cleaning and others.
Importance of critical habitats
Sharks and rays rely on two main critical habitats to survive: nursery areas and adult aggregation areas.
02 Planning and design of a marine protected area
The process for informing and socializing the MPA
Inform and socialize the MPA
During the planning process it is critical to inform and socialize the proposed area with all stakeholders, particularly fishing communities.
Review process
Any proposed area is reviewed by stakeholders through workshops and meetings with fishermen, researchers, conservationists, tour operators and government officials.
Technical study
A technical study is developed based on the input and results obtained during workshops with stakeholders.
Meeting with government officials
Review project results and discuss potential conservation actions.
03 Communication and outreach materials
It is important to develop communications and outreach materials to inform and promote the conservation of sharks and the creation of a MPA.
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