The Logic Scoring of Preference method for marine spatial planning and decision-making: A case study of acoustic refugia for killer whales

Marine noise pollution is recognized as a stressor to endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKW) in the Salish Sea, Canada and USA. Low-noise locations can be identified using geographic information systems (GIS) and multicriteria evaluation (MCE) methods. However, commonly used spatial MCE are limited in their ability to properly identify and represent complex habitat suitability requirements. The main objectives of this thesis research are to implement GIS-based Logic Scoring of Preference (LSP), as a generalised MCE method, for suitability analysis of acoustic refugia of SRKW, develop different decision scenarios, and integrate multiple stakeholder perspectives for overall suitability analysis. The results indicate that the GIS-based LSP decision method can successfully identify suitable locations for SRKW acoustic refugia that can be used for establishing protected areas. This research advances GIS-based MCE methods as part of marine spatial planning (MSP) and decision-making processes accounting for diverse interested parties with conflicting priorities.