Proposes a systematic technique which can be used to break down the complexity of environmental management decisions so that social and ecological aspects are considered in tandem. Whatever the particular management objectives, the method enables development of a full picture of the trade-offs inherent in a particular decision.
Dr Tim O'Higgins is a biologist working at the Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, He specialises in "Oikology" – studies at the interface between the ecological and social systems. He is a lecturer marine resource management at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.