ESSIM SPATIAL CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN WORKSHOP: Gathering knowledge, assessing the gaps November 14th, 9:00am - 4:00pm Seaforth, Nova Scotia AGENDA FOR ESSIM WORKSHOP CONSERVATION TOOLKIT One of the first Action Plans initiated under the ESSIM process is the Spatial Conservation Action Plan, with the aim of working together to identify options for building on and adding to the existing spatial conservation measures, making best use of these tools to help meet the shared Objectives layed out in the ESSIM Strategic Plan. Since the Spatial Conservation Action Plan concept was presented to the ESSIM Stakeholder Advisory Council in July 2007, a core team has been working to bring together information products such as maps and data about known areas of ecological importance and a database and classification of existing spatial conservation tools. This information is being used to run a "gap analysis," a GIS-based look at how well the current network of closures, marine protected areas and other measures meets ESSIM ecosystem objectives. The gap analysis provides a picture of existing conservation measures, and will help us to identify the places and conservation features that may not currently be adequately conserved. To broaden engagement in this Action Plan a one-day workshop is planned for November 14th in Seaforth (Chezzetcook Inlet). The aim of this workshop is to obtain feedback on the information, analysis and findings to date. This workshop, the first step toward implementing the Action Plan, will be an opportunity for stakeholders to: -share our knowledge of areas of ecological importance in the ESSIM area -review and give feedback on a new map/data product, an inventory of existing managed areas -interpret the findings of the gap analysis, refine the methodology and discuss the most pressing "gaps" in our region Exploring these results and identifying ways to fill the gaps will need to be a collaborative effort – all interested individuals and organizations are therefore encouraged to attend. In particular, we would like to ask SAC members to attend and/or delegate 1-3 individuals from their sector. Please contact Melanie Hurlburt at HurlburtM(at)mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca if you are interested in attending this workshop.