The main objective of this group is to build up a research framework to inform, engage and empower stakeholders in planning a network of MPAs by i) Profiling and highlighting the key scientific priorities and policy features that will inform its implementation and support its management and monitoring processes. ii) Providing research programme managers, MPA planners and EU/national decision makers with a list of key research priorities and recommendations along with a dedicated timeframe in order to best promote, inform and support the rapid implementation of a network of MPAs. This Working Group is organized by the Marine Board of the European Science Foundation and by the IOC of UNESCO. It is composed of 12 experts drawn from Marine Board member organizations and relevant OSPAR, HELCOM and EU committees, covering different areas of Expertise which include marine biology, oceanography, marine policy & governance, fisheries management, population genetics, evolutionary ecology among others. The group met for the first time last March in Brussels when the Terms of Reference and the main objectives of the group where discussed. This second meeting in Paris will define a practical workplan for preparing a Strategic Position Paper addressing the above topic that will be released by the end of 2011.