Framing the Research and Monitoring Plan of the proposed Marine Protected Area in Domain 1 (D1MPA)

This document along with the document entitled First steps towards the development of the Research and Monitoring Plan of the proposed Marine Protected Area in Domain 1 (SC-CCAMLR 44/BG/06) aims to enable informed discussions for the development of a Research and Monitoring Plan (RMP) to accompany the Domain 1 MPA (D1MPA). The preliminary draft RMP addresses key elements of monitoring design, including spatial and temporal scales, baseline data, metrics, methods, and outlines a potential framework based on a counterfactual approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the D1MPA. As an initial case study, the document focuses on penguins as ecosystem indicators, with the intention of expanding in future iterations to other conservation objectives, namely krill, seals, and whales. It is submitted to the Scientific Committee to seek feedback on the proposed approach and to invite Members to contribute to the continued development of the RMP.