The killing of non-target species is a major problem that needs to be answer quickly. NSERC grantee Dr. Suzana Dragicevic of Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia, has comes up with one possible solution that involves digital maps and mathematical analysis to visualize and better understand the location of the most vulnerable marine habitats.
According to Dragicevic, many environmental problems, including by-catch, are spatial in nature. He states that the solution needs to build an accurate and objective view of the environment in question. He opined that there should be reasonable solution to protect marine biodiversity but we can’t forget those who are dependent on the fishery for their livelihoods.
In this process Dragicevic employs a mathematical optimization process known as multi-criteria evaluation. He added that multi-criteria analysis has long been successful in resolving conflicts over terrestrial resource management such as land-use suitability analysis and urban development. He told that such approach can be applied to marine environments.
Dragicevic, in collaboration with other team have tested their approach under a pilot
Project in the Pacific Canadian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). And the result was really overwhelming.
