Using GIS to Elicit and Apply Local Knowledge to Ocean Conservation

This chapter describes a protocol for using geospatial analysis tools based on the importance of eliciting and incorporating local expert knowledge and socioeconomic concerns into marine resource management decision-making processes. The GIS tool (“OceanMap”) and rapid socioeconomic protocol described in this chapter grew out of past conflicts amongst stakeholders, specifically fishermen, regarding marine protected area planning processes in California, and builds on a pilot project conducted by the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and Environmental Defense. Today, Environmental Defense continues to expand and improve the tool to address stakeholder needs, streamline the process of collecting and analyzing information, incorporate additional stakeholders, and accommodate other marine resource management efforts.