Mapping Biological Resources in the Coastal Zone: An Evaluation of Methods in a Pioneering Study from Norway

Abstract

For many years, the planning and management of terrestrial areas has been supported by a detailed knowledge of the distribution of habitats and their associated species. However, the detailed mapping of biological resources in extent coastal areas, such as the Norwegian coastal zone, is unrealistic due to its enormous coastline. Here, we present a useful and feasible approach and a set of simple, cost-effective methods which are suitable for providing a broad-scale overview of marine habitats and fish resources. This approach was developed in conjunction with a pioneer study conducted along the southern coast of the Skagerrak, where we combined knowledge gathered from local fishermen with scientific knowledge of important species and nature types to establish a coastal sea mapping program. GIS modeling tools were used in both the mapping program and to integrate local and scientific knowledge into digital maps made available to local area management. This multi-faceted approach, which combines local knowledge and scientific methods, provides valuable information with respect to marine biodiversity, and has been used extensively by local environmental management.

The creation of coastal space – how local ecological knowledge becomes relevant

“…Knutsen et al (2010) used a GIS tool to integrate fishing and research knowledge into a digital map. They found that information about spawning grounds from fishers was reliable, and that scientific sampling only contributed to marginal adjustments of the areas reported by the fishers.…”

Kampen om plass på kysten

“…disse resultatene stemmer godt overens med liknende kartleggingsundersøkelser fra Skagerrak-området. Knutsen et al (2010) har benyttet GIS-verktøy til å integrere fisker-og forskerkunnskap i digitale kart. Her fant man at for gytefelt så var fiskernes erfaringsbaserte kunnskap svaert pålitelig.…”

Living with the sea

“…Despite the fact that most studies have a single-species focus, there are studies that follow a more inclusive approach, either by exploring the locally targeted fish stocks as whole, or by examining the health of the target habitat. Examples of the former can be found in various researchers with a geographical focus, such as in Bender et al (2014) and Silvano et al (2006) (Brazil), Knutsen et al (2010) (Norway), Lavides et al (2009) (Philippines), Boomhower et al (2007) (Venezuela) and Vlachopoulou et al (2013) (Greece).…”