Designing Marine Monitoring Plans

A monitoring plan keeps field teams aligned and makes reporting defensible. Use MariMap to define baselines, repeat surveys, and QA/QC thresholds before fieldwork begins.

Plan essentials

• Choose protocols that match the habitat and outcome goals.
• Define baseline surveys and lock geometry for repeatability.
• Set cadence (seasonal, quarterly, annual) and responsible teams.

Baselines and repeat surveys

1. Create a baseline survey with full metadata and media.
2. Reuse geometry for repeat surveys to track change over time.
3. Document deviations and uncertainty conservatively.

QA/QC and uncertainty

• Use validation rules for required fields and media.
• Flag anomalies before exporting indicators.
• Record conservative assumptions when data gaps exist.

Reporting outputs

• MRV summaries and biodiversity sections for funders.
• Environmental context to explain trends.
• Metrics aligned to the Metrics Reference.

MRV readiness and disclosure alignment

• Baseline vs repeat surveys: mark baselines and keep repeat surveys on comparable geometry.
• Monitoring plan logic: define cadence, QA/QC thresholds, and conservative handling of uncertainty.
• Outcome types and claims discipline: record uplift, avoided loss, or maintenance credits; separate inputs from verified outcomes.
• Rights and integrity: document FPIC, customary marine tenure, OECM, ICCA, benefit sharing, durability mechanisms, and leakage risk.
• Disclosure alignment: map indicators to TNFD, CSRD, ESRS, EU Taxonomy, SBTN, and SBTi requirements.
• Use the Metrics Reference and Data Providers for definitions and sources.

Related guides

• Planning Surveys and Data Collection
• Generating Reports for Funders and Regulators
• Understanding Satellite and Environmental Data