Application Of Structured Decision Making to Marsh Bird Monitoring in The Gulf of Mexico

Application of structured decision making to marshbird monitoring in the gulf of mexico

Auriel M.V. Fournier¹, Mark S. Woodrey^1,2, Jim E. Lyons³, Bob J. Cooper⁴, Kristine O. Evans⁵

¹Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA

²Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Moss Point, MS USA

³ US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, USA

⁴University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

⁵Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS USA

Although many avian monitoring projects have been implemented across the Gulf of Mexico, scientists and conservationists often lack a comprehensive and coordinated approach to monitoring avian resources, including marshbirds. The Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) - a diverse group of conservation partners including state and federal agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions - was formed to coalesce a community of practice and define a vision and process for framing the role of bird monitoring in response to the critical information needs highlighted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We used a Structured Decision Making (SDM) process to develop a set of fundamental objectives along with an explicit objectives hierarchy and value models to qualitatively and quantitatively define stakeholder values and goals related to avian monitoring along the Gulf of Mexico. We used the SDM framework to establish baselines, evaluate restoration activities, and identify critical information gaps related to how ecological process drive marshbird populations as well establish priorities. Marshbirds are an ideal case study since they have high rates of endemism, their population status is poorly known and they are often species of concern. Here, we demonstrate how the SDM framework can be used to guide the development of a Gulf of Mexico-wide, strategic plan for monitoring marshbirds.