HOW WILL THE ACTION PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED? Outreach and groundwork. The Action Plan concept was presented to the ESSIM Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) in July 2007. Since then, a core group has been working to define the process in more detail. We’ve begun to bring together information products, like maps and data about known areas of ecological importance, and a database and classification of existing spatial conservation tools (for more information, or to share your knowledge, see below). We’re currently combining this information in a gap analysis, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based look at how well the current network of closures, marine protected areas and other conservation measures meet the objectives. Action Planning Phase The gap analysis will provide a picture of existing conservation measures, and will help to identify the places and conservation features that may not be adequately protected. Exploring these results and identifying ways to fill the gaps will need to be a collaborative effort. It is hoped that participants will develop a set of recommendations for priority conservation measures that can go forward to government, industry and others who are charged with implementation. Establishment and Stewardship. One of the roles of the ESSIM SAC is to steward the Plan objectives and strategies, making sure that actions are implemented. Since a number of agencies, industry sectors and communities are involved in implementing and managing different types of spatial conservation tools, stewarding implementation of the recommendations will be an important part of this Action Plan. Read the detailed draft Action Plan.  Spatial Conservation Action Plan Power Point Presentation. Spatial Conservation Action Plan Objectives and Time Line PDF.