This was an investigative workshop into the use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for pelagic ecosystems. Little research has been applied into the use of MPA's for pelagic ecosystems due to the temporal and spatial variability of these ecosystems. An objective of the workshop was to produce a framework to identify priority areas using the Benguela off the coast of south-western Africa and the Leeuwin  off the south-west coast of Australia as study areas. This work will potentially inform real-world conservation as there is a program to delineate MPA's in the Benguela region. Attendees included Dr Lombard (University of Cape Town) who is completing a  conservation plan for the Benguela and several experts in  pelagic ecology Dr Anthony Richardson (CSIRO/UQ), Prof. Lynnath Beckley (Murdoch University), and Dr Alistair Hobday (CSIRO/University of Tasmania). It also included Prof. Robert Pressey (James Cook University/UQ) who is a world expert on conservation planning. Work resulting from this event will also benefit several students who attended Jane Alpine (CSIRO/University of Tasmania), Eddie Game and Hedley Grantham (both from University of Queensland) who are all completing PhD's based on marine conservation planning.