Enhancing the effectiveness and equitability of Marine Protected Areas in Scotland
⚠️ Attention: Call for Participants
About the Project
The number of designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the UK and globally is growing; driven by increasing concern about the biodiversity crisis and a globally agreed protection target of 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. However, there are major gaps in knowledge and practice that can result in tokenistic, ineffective, or inequitable MPAs. The barriers that need to be addressed are: (1) A lack of understanding about effective and equitable governance and management practices, and (2) A lack of evidence (metrics and measurement) of conservation outcomes.
In order to fill these gaps, this project will draw from interdisciplinary expertise to develop a holistic and coherent set of indicators for conservation success that also account for contextual differences. The research is jointly supervised across the Schools of Geography and Sustainable Development, drawing on a long-term research experience in marine and coastal management, and Biology, drawing on strengths in the Scottish Oceans Institute on ecological theory. Conducted in close liaison with NatureScot, the work aims to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the ongoing development of effective, equitable, and adaptive MPA management across Scotland’s marine environment.
Research Questions
- Which approaches to MPA management are being utilised across a range of different contexts? What are the key learnings from these and do they reflect best practice/theory?
- How can performance indicators effectively measure a combination of ecological outcomes and social benefits to demonstrate conservation success?
This project is divided into two phases:
Case Studies
Call for participants
If you or someone you know has relevant experience and would be interested in participating, please get in touch.
Thank you for considering being part of this research.
Delphi Study
About
A Delphi study is a systematic, iterative method for gathering and synthesising expert insights, guiding a group toward consensus through controlled feedback.
It will involve multiple phases where participants review, rate, and refine indicators. After each round, a summary of responses is shared, allowing participants to reflect on, and respond to collective views.
Aims
This Delphi study aims to:
- Develop a shared understanding of MPA effectiveness within the Scottish context.
- Explore how we can assess MPA effectiveness more holistically — going beyond statutory reporting requirements to align with, and advance emerging best practice.
- Identify core and context-specific indicators that measure ecological, social, and governance outcomes.
- Provide insights to support strategic monitoring, transparent decision-making and adaptive, evidence-based management.
How
The study brings together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to collectively address the complex challenges of MPA management and evaluation.
The online phases will be hosted on Welphi, a bespoke, user-friendly online Delphi platform that allows participants to engage flexibly and anonymously.
Each phase includes a summary of collective responses to facilitate conversation, reflection and learning across disciplines.
Timeline
Interested in contributing to the study?
You can register your interest by submitting your email below, or contact me directly if you’d like to learn more.
