Tools Training for EBM Practitioners

The McClintock Lab sent lab member Grace Goldberg to San Juan, PR to speak about implementing marine spatial planning (MSP) using novel tools as part of the Caribbean Coastal-Marine EBM Tools Workshop Training, put on by the EBM Tools Network and NatureServe. She spoke about MSP process, from prioritizing objectives, to data gathering, to iterative design - emphasizing the role of a wide range of tools that provide a scientific underpinning for planning, and tools that enable effective stakeholder engagement, highlighting key resources for the participants.

Attendees work on their zoning plans in the training-barbuda.seasketch.org project.

Thirteen attendees took a deep dive for a one-day hands-on workshop with SeaSketch. The participants ranged from masters candidates to seasoned MPA and marine resource managers to heads of sustainable development initiatives. We kicked off early, discussing the data gathering and vetting process, and their own experiences with data sharing and making science-based decisions. Then, we got straight to sketching. With just an hour of orientation, the group got started developing mockup spatial plans for an example Caribbean island, including a network of sanctuaries with specific habitat protection and socio-economic goals, a series of new mooring and anchorage sites, and finally, a shipping channel. Things got pretty competitive toward the end, but we ended the day on a high note, reflecting on how planning and marine resource management play out in the varied Caribbean contexts represented by the participants - from Florida to the Bahamas to Antigua & Barbuda.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and everyone who supported the event!

Interested in a SeaSketch training? The McClintock Lab provides MSP & SeaSketch workshops to new projects and for educational institutions. These custom trainings range from 2-hour interactive activities by webinar to multi-day in-person intensives. Please contact Grace for more information (grace.goldberg@ucsb.edu).

Group photo from the MSP Tools and MPA Management Trainings. Photo credit: Cape Eleuthera Institute.