Establishing Managed Access Areas + Reserves (MA+R) is an important tool for sustainable management of artisanal fisheries. By protecting critical habitats and species, and by regulating fishing efforts, the MA+R approach helps balance the protection of marine resources with the needs of the communities that depend on them.

To be successful, protected areas must be managed effectively and reserves must be designated to maximize conservation and fishery benefits. Rare, in collaboration with multiple academic partners around the world, has created a science-based methodology to help local stakeholders establish effective reserve networks. It takes into account the following factors:

• Larval connectivity and movement

• Critical habitats and key species to be protected

• Areas of high ecological importance that, if prioritized for protection, will produce the greatest amount of benefits

With this information, the consultation and negotiation processes with communities can lead them to decide the location and size of the reserves.

This workshop will introduce this methodology, taking participants through the different steps of the MA+R Design process.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Explain key concepts of the network of marine reserves (NMR), managed access (MA), and climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA),

2. Use NMR maps to identify, priority ecological areas to include in the reserve network at appropriate scale,

3. Use reserve network maps and model projections as a communication tool with relevant priority stakeholders, and

4. Evaluate policies. regulations, and eligibility requirements for zones, fishers, and users.

Expected outputs:

1. List of goals for your fishery

2. Maps of current uses of your zones

3. Maps of proposed uses of your zones

4. List of policies and regulations for your zones

5. List of eligibility requirements for fishers or users of your zones