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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 58(11)

A fuzzy-logic tool for multi-criteria decision making in fisheries: the case of the South African pelagic fishery

B. Paterson A D , A. Jarre A B , C. L. Moloney A , T. P. Fairweather C , C. D. van der Lingen C , L. J. Shannon C and J. G. Field A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Marine Research (MA-RE) Institute and Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.

B Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, North Sea Centre, PO Box 101, DK-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark.

C Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa.

D Corresponding author. Email: barbara@paterson.alt.na

Marine and Freshwater Research 58(11) 1056-1068 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF07060
Submitted: 23 March 2007  Accepted: 11 October 2007   Published: 3 December 2007

Abstract

The present study presents an electronic decision-support tool that uses a fuzzy-logic model of expert knowledge to assist in multi-criteria decision-making in the context of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF). The prototype model integrates the multiple goals and objectives related to the evaluation of the ecosystem performance of the South African sardine Sardinops sagax fishery into a NetWeaver knowledge base and provides intuitive visual outputs to communicate results to managers and stakeholders. The software tool was developed in a consultative process with key experts and follows the hierarchical tree approach recommended in the FAO guidelines for responsible fisheries. Input variables are based both on quantitative data and expert opinion. We evaluated the model in terms of robustness to input changes, influence of system structure, and appropriateness of input scales for parameters based on expert opinion. Results show that the model is robust and conservative. The strength of the approach lies in the ability to include variables that are difficult to measure. It provides a means of rendering value judgements explicit and transparent. The tool synthesises a large amount of information and aims at improving understanding rather than achieving precision. The system has the potential to have wide application in the context of EAF.

Additional keywords: Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), fisheries management, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA).


Acknowledgements

Theressa Akkers, Steve Kirkman, Herman Oosthuizen, Gloria Sitiki, Anthony Starfield and Dave Japp provided valuable input.


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