Current practices in marine systematic conservation planning: protocol for a global scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Marine conservation science
• Spatial planning
• Ecosystem-based management

Background:

• Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) is crucial for effective marine spatial planning (MSP).
• Limited synthesis exists on SCP methods, trends, and progress in Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation.
• This study addresses the need to understand SCP's contribution to MPA network design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a protocol for a scoping review (ScR) on SCP in MPA network design.
• To assess SCP's contribution to effective MPA network development.
• To identify best practices and knowledge gaps in MPA implementation criteria.

Main Methods:

• The scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches will be conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for marine SCP studies.
• Inclusion criteria focus on studies applying SCP to MPA network design globally, including grey literature.

Main Results:

• Data extraction and synthesis will be managed using Covidence software.
• Findings will be presented visually through tables, graphs, and maps.
• A narrative summary will accompany the visual representations of the data.

Conclusions:

• The comprehensive approach will offer a clear understanding of SCP's role in MPA design.
• Visual data representation will enhance the interpretation of findings.
• This review will highlight advancements and deficiencies in current conservation planning practices.