The aim of my MSc research project was to develop a conservation tool which facilitates better marine management. In the current geopolitical climate, the implementation of marine protection strategies will only get more difficult as resources are directed elsewhere and methods of making marine conservation as easy and cost effective as possible will be crucial to ensure sustainable exploitation and effective protection. Many countries use marine conservation tools to manage marine areas such as Pressure-State-Response (PSR) frameworks which sounds complicated but in its simplest form identifies activities which may negatively impact a habitat or species. The PSR framework generally provides a benchmark which compares the current health of the habitat or species to its pre-impact state. Using the outputs of these frameworks, changes to the environment can be monitored and any necessary modifications to management that reduce or remove an impact can be implemented.

My project adapted a PSR style tool which was used to assess Europa Reef, the rocky reef in the area of ocean surrounding Europa Point, and to demonstrate how the tool could be applied. Pressures identified as potentially acting on the reef included commercial shipping and recreational fishing but the impact of these pressures could not be measured in full as there is a current lack of monitoring data from which to measure. Data deficiencies were highlighted by the tool and as a result I made recommendations during my project conclusion centring around the consideration of better monitoring programmes.

Gibraltar is especially fortunate to have one of the most incredible marine environments in the Mediterranean region but it has become very apparent through reading of the available literature and anecdotally that the importance of the habitats and species here is under acknowledged. If it could be made clearer to the public exactly what the Gibraltarian marine environment has to offer and how industry and recreation activities are affecting it, they could have an informed input into the decisions impacting the future of Gibraltar’s waters and generate more pride in what Gibraltar’s waters mean.

With further gathering of evidence and the refinement of the tool, new habitats and species can be included over time outside of Europa Reef. To begin with, this will involve characterising and assessing other marine habitats in Gibraltar, followed by the terrestrial habitats. By doing these types of assessment, conservation strategies that are insufficient can be improved and aspects which are currently successful can be replicated. Once established, the tool can be issued to other UK overseas territories and small island governances who face the same challenges with lack of resources and, in some cases, access to expertise.

I will be looking to carry out the tool development during the course of my PhD with a view to change international marine conservation for the better. Fortunately, the university has taken me on as one of two Graduate Research and Teaching Assistants (GRTAs) which allows me to not only conduct my own research but also develop my career by assisting in both the School of Marine Sciences and Library Services. The role involves many aspects including lecturing, overseeing practicals and helping students with their own upcoming research projects as well as attending conferences and participate in working groups. I have also had the opportunity to co-author a book chapter on marine management and will soon have a second publication going to press with the working title “The applicability of conservation tools in Gibraltar and factors influencing their success: A view through a global lens.”