Examining the utility of a decision-support tool to develop spatial management options for the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems on the high seas around New Zealand

Highlights

• A decision-support tool was assessed for identifying spatial conservation priorities.
• Spatial conservation prioritisation is sensitive to varying the input data.
• Balancing the protection of VMEs and use of high value fishing areas is possible.
• Cost to fishing was low given amount of VME habitat that could be protected.
• Use of a decision-support tool can improve current spatial management measures.

Keywords

Vulnerable marine ecosystems, Decision-support tools, Spatial management, Conservation, High seas, New Zealand, SPRFMO