Mapping socio-ecological values: the use of geospatial tools to make informed decisions on the marine and coastal management areas surrounding Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Abstract

Marine and coastal environments are highly complex integrated systems. While it is recognized these aquatic environments offer valuable ecosystem services, there is a paucity of information on how these systems are structured and how they function. Moreover, there are few tools available to assist in the management of these natural resources. Marine and coastal environments are not only important to the stability of the ocean but also to the socio-cultural, ecological and economic well-being of coastal communities. Many important biological areas are vulnerable to “agents of change” which include but are not limited to, commercial fishing, oil and gas activities, tourism and aquatic invasive species (green crab and membranipora specifically) and, climate change. This study will use expert informed GIS (xGIS) as a management tool to highlight the socio-ecological areas of importance and perceived impact in the coastal and marine areas surrounding Gros Morne National Park, western Newfoundland, Canada. This research used a family of decision-making protocols to promote effective stakeholder participation, allowing exploration and evaluation of multiple attributes where cost benefit analysis was inappropriate. The geospatial tool created for this study will serve as a management tool that can help: 1. identify geospatial hotspot areas of importance and impact from various ‘agents of change’ in the coastal and marine management areas surrounding the Gros Morne Region of western, Newfoundland; 2. construct a tool that can be used to aid in the creation of responsible marine plans for Newfoundland and areas bordering the Gulf of St. Lawrence and; 3. identify socio-ecological and justified areas valued for protection under a National Marine Conservation Area around Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.