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

Summary

For many years, the planning and management 8 of terrestrial areas has been supported by a detailed 9 knowledge of the distribution of habitats and their associ- 10 ated species. However, the detailed mapping of biological 11 resources in extent coastal areas, such as the Norwegian 12 coastal zone, is unrealistic due to its enormous coastline. 13 Here, we present a useful and feasible approach and a set of 14 simple, cost-effective methods which are suitable for pro- 15 viding a broad-scale overview of marine habitats and fish 16 resources. This approach was developed in conjunction 17 with a pioneer study conducted along the southern coast of 18 the Skagerrak, where we combined knowledge gathered 19 from local fishermen with scientific knowledge of impor- 20 tant species and nature types to establish a coastal sea 21 mapping program. GIS modeling tools were used in both 22 the mapping program and to integrate local and scientific 23 knowledge into digital maps made available to local area 24 management. This multi-faceted approach, which com- 25 bines local knowledge and scientific methods, provides 26 valuable information with respect to marine biodiversity, 27 and has been used extensively by local environmental 28 management.