MATOS - Mid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

Project Title: Cross-taxa Assessment of Habitat Use and Connectivity Relative to Marine Protected Areas in the Gulf of Maine: Implications for Management

MATOS Project Code: NEFSCMPA

Data Type: Data

Project Duration: June 2021 - December 2025

Project Description: We are evaluating how highly migratory and protected species, including cetaceans, fishes, pinnipeds, seabirds, and turtles, are using a network of state and federal marine protected areas in the Gulf of Maine and southern New England regions, and how this overlaps with areas of human use. Understanding the benefits of existing MPAs to species at risk will inform recommendations for potential new or expanded MPAs, and ensure their viability for future generations.

Objectives:

Document processes and mechanisms in MPAs and if they effectively mitigate risk in other habitats
Document the reliance of taxa w/in essential habitats and determine if MPA actions are sufficient
Characterize temporal and spatial movement of taxa to eval connectivity of MPAS and other habitats
Determine sp requirements - whether NE MPAs size/ location are sufficient under changing conditions

Principal Investigator:	Danielle Cholewiak (Mid - Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System)
Email:	danielle.cholewiak@noaa.gov

Point of Contact:	James Hawkes
Email:	james.hawkes@noaa.gov

Collaborators:

Bill Hoffman (MA DMF)
James Hawkes (NOAA - NEFSC)
Danielle Cholewiak (NOAA - NEFSC)
Sean Hayes (NOAA - NEFSC)
Debra Palka (NOAA - NEFSC)
Kimberly Murray (NOAA - NEFSC)
David Wiley (NOAA - SBNMS)
Heather Haas (NOAA - NEFSC)
Leah Crowe (Integrated Statistics)
Greg Skomal (MA DMF)

Participating Organizations:

MA DMF
NOAA

NEFSC STELLWAGEN MPA