Multiple criteria analysis integrates economic, ecological and social objectives for coral reef managers

Abstract

 Managing a coral reef in a small island state is a difficult task. Apart from having conflicting objectives and few data there is the added problem of how to evaluate the less tangible benefits of management. This study reports the successful use of multiple criteria analysis to help the managers of a coral reef to make “good” decisions. “Good” decisions are consistent with the community’s desires to, in this case, preserve social and ecological values while simultaneously maintaining the economic benefits of dive tourism and maintaining the park as a global model of successful management. Multiple criteria analysis provides a systematic framework for evaluating management options. This study presents one of the first times multiple criteria analysis has been used in coral reef management, let alone in a non-industrialised setting. The results suggest that the method may be more widely useful than previously thought.