Leading the way in conservation: Innovating and adapting global best practices for effective management of the marine environment in UK overseas territories

Research Project

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Research Project Overview

Natalie’s research identifies the main challenges that face marine conservation implementation and the ability to meet international reporting obligations in Gibraltar, stemming from limited capacity and resources and a rapidly changing geopolitical climate. Building on earlier findings, the project aims to identify pathways to support implementation by applying the principles of conservation tools and frameworks used in other countries, tailored to Gibraltar’s unique needs. The focus lies in developing an adapted tool that enhances reporting and data collection, which are critical gaps in current practices. This involves use of desk-based assessment of habitat and species sensitivity to various pressures, alongside the collection of rapid assessment data. The evidence gathered will inform a framework that hopes to enable simpler and more efficient activity assessments, facilitating conservation advice and improving reporting on Good Environmental Status to the Gibraltarian and UK governments. The research seeks input from other Overseas Territories to understand their challenges and the strategies used to address them.  This should lead to the identification of strategies with applicability in Gibraltar but may also identify gaps in the other territories’ approaches that can also be addressed by the framework being developed.

Project Team

Project lead:Mrs Natalie Muirhead-Davies
Supervisors: Dr Awantha Dissanayake (Primary Supervisor) and Prof Matt Frost (Secondary Supervisor, Plymouth Marine Laboratory).

Significance of the research

The research holds significant value for marine conservation efforts in Gibraltar and beyond. By identifying the main barriers to current implementation practices, findings can be used to enhance the effectiveness of current conservation measures, which will have long term benefits for protecting marine biodiversity. The development of an evidence-based tool or framework to improve reporting and data collection will help to addresses critical gaps that hinder effective conservation management.

Project Collaborators

  • Dr Emma Mckinley – Cardiff University.

Funders

  • University of Gibraltar Research Projects Fund
  • Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society

Research methods

The study employs several research methods to achieve its objectives. A systematic literature review identifies conservation tools and frameworks, such as systematic conservation tools, that are being employed to facilitate marine conservation around the world. A secondary literature review takes the same approach, focusing on those being used in UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs).

This involves multiple literature reviews using Google Scholar and keyword searches with Boolean operators, following the Prisma framework to ensure good practice. The literature reviews aim to both identify gaps in knowledge and examples of good practice in conservation tools that may be applicable to Gibraltar and the other UKOTs. The findings of the literature reviews were also used to inform the construction of a survey issued to marine conservation practitioners across the UKOTs. the information gathered from the survey, through the collection of anecdotal and local evidence, supports the findings of the literature reviews.

Using the information sourced from the literature reviews and the surveys, the development of a tool/framework can be explored. Finally, local data is necessary to trail the tool/framework, so ground truthing habitat data was collected, as well as sourcing data from other unofficial surveys such as those carried out by University of Gibraltar students. This was done as publicly available habitat and species data is difficult to source for Gibraltar’s waters.

Relevance to the wider community

The relevance of this research to the wider community is significant and multifaceted. The research aims to identify effective conservation tools and practices that build pathways to overcome the barriers to marine conservation implementation in Gibraltar and other UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). This has direct implications for both protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources, as well as alleviating pressure on small government departments with limited capacity. Overall, the research takes a step towards meaningful change in marine conservation practices, positively impacting both the community and the environment.

Pathways to impact

The pathways to impact for this research are diverse and aimed at translating findings into meaningful benefits for the local community and contributing to wider conservation efforts. The findings of the study will be published upon completion, but other outputs may involve dissemination through , seminars, lectures, stakeholder workshops and public presentations. These outreach activities promote awareness of effective marine conservation practices and engage local stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation challenges.  Future involvement with local stakeholders, making use of their local knowledge and perspectives can contribute to the collection of habitat and species information, aiding future conservation and management planning. Local knowledge is under-utilised in marine conservation across the globe and by incorporating a collaborative approach, it is possible to enhances the relevance and applicability of the developed tool, ensuring it meets the specific needs of Gibraltar’s community. The main pathway to impact will be through the development and implementation of the conservation tool/framework by aiming to streamline the reporting and data collection processes, enabling both more efficient monitoring of marine health and marine planning and decision making.

Once operational, it can guide conservation actions and policy decisions, enhancing the overall management of marine resources. Additionally, the research encourages partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in environmental policy and conservation. By sharing findings with these entities, the project can influence national and regional conservation strategies, ultimately leading to broader systemic changes. Lastly, the insights gained from the research can inform future studies and initiatives that address marine conservation challenges in other regions, creating a ripple effect that promotes sustainable practices across different contexts.

Project-related outputs

Lectures/Seminars

  • Seminar delivery at Plymouth Marine Laboratories in 2023
  • Presentations at the Research That Benefits Gibraltar Conference in 2023 and 2024
  • Presentation at the UKOTCF Early Career Researchers Network in 2023
  • Lecture delivery as part of the University of Gibraltar Public Lecture Series

Publications

  • Bazairi, H., El Asmi, S., Limam, A., Espinosa, F., Warr, S., Muirhead-Davies, N., Dissanayake, A. and Fa, D., (2023). ‘Marine area-based conservation in the context of global change: Advances, challenges, and opportunities, with a focus on the Mediterranean’, Coastal Habitat Conservation, pp.17-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85613-3.00001-3
Research
PhD
PhD by Research

Our PhD by research programme is based on independent study, guided by your assigned supervisors and support system. It typically [...]

  • FT 3 to 5 Years/ PT 4 to 8 Years
  • No Placement option
  • Full/Part Time

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