Importantly, people’s reactions to the project were recorded throughout the day, and will be used in future decision-making.

Tom Hooper, project manager for Finding Sanctuary, said, ‘Finding Sanctuary has started as it means to go on, inviting those who stand to be affected most by an MPA network to get involved. The aim of the Workshop was to gain knowledge and opinions from people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods or leisure activities, so they are balanced with the protection and conservation of marine habitats and sea life.

‘It was very important to have representatives from a range of backgrounds at the Workshop, including the fishing industry, angling, leisure, enforcement and conservation, so that a realistic and balanced impression is gained. The project’s success hinges on surrounding communities being able and willing to come forward to engage in the project, influence how it is steered and say how they want to be involved. This is the only way MPAs will be respected and self enforced.’ 

Finding Sanctuary’s involvement will extend only as far as facilitating the decision making process and communicating recommendations back to Government. Its vision is to sustain livelihoods, recover the coasts and seas for future generations and protect marine plants and animals. No decisions have been made about the number, location or nature of MPAs in the network, as these decisions will be the responsibility of an impartial Steering Group, which is yet to be formed.  

The Workshop was run by ‘dialogue matters’, a company which facilitates interactive events, knowledge sharing and stakeholder participation. As a neutral organisation, dialogue matters was responsible for managing and recording the day.

Tom Hooper concluded, ‘The pivotal role of Finding Sanctuary is to ensure that sites are well planned. An integral part of our plan over the next three to five years is working with interest groups in similar workshops and on a one to one basis, to identify the sites that can bring the greatest possible benefits for conservation, resources and livelihoods and have the broadest possible support from the people who live or work in the region. This will mean the MPA network is mutually beneficial, respected and self enforced.’