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

Marine and coastal environments are highly integrated systems that influence the structure and function of the ecosystem; playing the lead role in maintaining the biodiversity and productivity of multiple areas. These... [ view full abstract ]

Marine and coastal environments are highly integrated systems that influence the structure and function of the ecosystem; playing the lead role in maintaining the biodiversity and productivity of multiple areas. These significant regions are important to the stability of the ocean but also, to the socio-cultural, ecological and economic well-being of communities located along the coast. 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 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 the 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 areas valued for protection under a National Marine Conservation Area around Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.