The Marine Protected Areas Research Group focuses on all aspects of the establishment and management of marine protected areas within the context of integrated coastal management. We believe that interaction amongst committed individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives provides an enriched environment for advancing knowledge regarding MPAs. The group undertakes research on all aspects of MPAs, ranging from institutional assessments and social surveys through to basic biogeographical studies on marine and coastal ecosystems.

Numerous projects involve the development of innovative spatial analysis approaches and techniques using GIS. We work closely with other Departmental research interests such as the Whale and Spatial Sciences Laboratories. Active research programs have been underway in Asia for many years as well as in Canada. Funding comes from many different sources including SSHRC, NSERC, IDRC, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Royal Thai Government, PADI and the Asian Development Bank.

The Group is composed of a core of Faculty and Adjunct Faculty appointments, led by Dr Phil Dearden, with active involvement of Dr Rosaline Canessa, Dr Rick Rollins, Dr Cliff Robinson, Dr Mark Zacharias and Dr. Glen Jamieson.