Natural boundaries

Joe Leach & Adrian Kitchingman

The use of traditional and often arbitrarily defined boundaries can be disadvantageous in the marine environment. Naturally occurring boundaries, such as sea floor characteristics, migratory movements of a particular species or the extent of a particular kind of sea grass can be more suitable to the definition of jurisdictional zones, as seen in the delimitation of marine protected areas. This research aims to create a concept for the delimitation and management of jurisdictional boundaries based on natural features and conditions.

This is based on recognition that spatially based management of a resource is not appropriate unless the spatial dynamics (including distribution, density and mobility) of the resource are clearly understood. Where mobile natural boundaries define the spatial limits of a resource, administrative boundaries should only be set at the extremes of the natural variation. This research will look at addressing data format issues, asses seasonal variations in natural boundaries and investigate connections to sea floor topography.