Investigating the effectiveness of an MPA in an area of rapid urban expansion: some preliminary observations

Abstract

The SA Government recently unveiled a plan for the State's first of 19 proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA) under the South Australian Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (SARSMPA) in an area extending from the Murray mouth west to Normanville and across to Kingscote. This is a region of high conservation value as well as population growth. This paper provides an overview of a preliminary investigation into potential effects of urban growth processes on the establishment of the MPA with a focus on Kangaroo Island. Various themes emerging from a field study on the Island are discussed. Given the MPA sets an important precedent in conserving the state's marine environment, the paper concludes with several future research needs and directions including further consideration of zoning within the MPA and the encouragement of integration between agencies involved in managing the coastal resource.