Developing SMART criteria, with baselines and decision rules, to evaluate CCAMLR MPAs

Establishing criteria to assess the effectiveness of CCAMLR marine protected areas (MPAs) can resolve issues currently preventing consensus to establish MPAs in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and Planning Domain 1. SMART criteria express desired outcomes in terms of performance indicators, often relative to baselines. Monitoring the indicator can facilitate review of the MPA and assessment of its effectiveness. When accompanied by decision rules driving management actions that aim to transform undesirable outcomes to desirable outcomes, SMART criteria can strengthen implementation of an MPA. This document summarizes principles and concepts used to develop candidate SMART criteria, with baselines and decision rules, for the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area (RSRMPA).