Opportunities for modelling tools to support management decision-making in Australian Marine Parks. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Punde, S. P.; Laws, R. J.; Bohensky, E. L.; Skewes, T. D.; Bustamante, R. H.; Hockings, M.
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of maritime and ocean affairs. Volume 9:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Maritime law -- Australia -- Periodicals; Maritime law -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Law of the sea -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Law of the sea -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Australia -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Maritime law -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 341.45
• DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2017.1279860
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1836-6503

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important marine conservation strategy; however, managing MPAs is challenging due to threats such as coastal development, non-compliance and recreational pressures. We conducted semi-structured interviews with MPA managers and rangers in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to discuss the opportunity to apply models to support management decision-making in MPAs. The utilisation of models for risk analyses, social learning and forecasting was considered of high relevance for decision makers. However, the utility of a tool depends on the nature of the management problem at hand. For instance, conceptual models can bring a systems perspective to management whereas probabilistic models may indicate the likelihood of a management outcome. We recommend selecting a tool based on decision support requirements. Furthermore, participating MPA managers recommended the need to collaborate with scientists to develop and apply decision support tools to address routine as well as complex management issues in protected areas.