An MPA management plan (or plans) should not only explicitly detail the various management strategies that are, or will be, implemented in order to reach the goals of the MPA, but should contain objectives and indicators that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) using an appropriate monitoring programme [1].

The extent to which the MPA is meeting its goals should be defined by the management plan’s indicators and objectives. These should be regularly reviewed with management practices revised and adapted as needed based on by the results of monitoring. Reviews of management effectiveness is therefore integral to adaptive management [2].

However, simple biological measures (e.g., abundances of focal marine mammal species) that reflect the delivery of protected area goals are just one dimension of a review of management effectiveness. Management effectiveness may also refer to the adequacy and appropriateness of chosen management systems and processes in place, (the overall focus of the Marine Mammal Management Self-Assessment Tool) as well as the delivery of these management systems and processes [3].