Once the reserves are created, facilitators will work with local government to officially recognize the reserves. After paperwork is finalized, the reserves will need to be monitored and surveilled to avoid illegal fishing, users will need to gather ecological data over time to track progress, and the facilitators need to help implement other viable economic strategies and ensure their success. If feasible, reserves serving as a network should be implemented at relatively the same time to contribute to the success of the network.
In this first phase, facilitators of no-take marine reserves should aim to establish trusted relationships with the local communities and resources users that would likely be impacted from the implementation of a marine reserve. This entails the facilitator assessing the social, financial, and leadership structures to determine what the community needs to motivate creating a reserve. Concurrently, facilitators should gather any necessary baseline data to better populate tools that will help to create the reserve.
Decision Tree
Decision Tree
The economic component is crucial to the implementation and sustainability of the Marine Reserves. The successful design and application of an economic plan could help leveraging the local livelihoods and financing the reserve’s implementation. The main objectives within this component during the Engagement phase are to (1) understand how the economic incentives around Marine Reserves work, and (2) gain knowledge and understanding of the economic environment of the communities involved in the creation of the Marine Reserve.
Economic Component
