Towards A GIS-Based Methodology for Marine Protected Area Zoning

Abstract

In response to concerns of ad hoc approaches, site selection algorithms, such as Marxan, are being used to systematically and scientifically recommend sites for marine reserves. Similar challenges have been faced when siting zones (which aim to protect key habitats while permitting various uses) within broader Marine Protected Areas (MPA). This research explores Marxan as a decision support tool forMPA zoning. It aims to answer two questions: Can the use ofMarxan be stream- lined, thereby removing some of the guesswork associated with its use? and How can zoning configurations be developed to incorporate large amounts of data and stake- holder opinions while being transparent, repeatable, and scientific? This chapter reports on experimentation with various Marxan settings using the Southern Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada as a study area as well as interviews con- ducted with zoning practitioners, in the context of developing Marxan as a decision support tool forMPA zoning.