Multiple criteria analysis integrates economic, ecological and social objectives for coral reef managers

Managing a coral reef in a small island state is a difficult task. Apart fr om having conflicting objectives and few data there is the added problem of how to evaluate the less tangible benefits of management. This study repor ts the successful use of multiple criteria analysis to help the managers of a coral reef to make "good" decisions. "Good" decisions are consistent wit h the community's desires to, in this case, preserve social and ecological values while simultaneously maintaining the economic benefits of dive touri sm and maintaining the park as a global model of successful management. Mul tiple criteria analysis provides a systematic framework for evaluating mana gement options. This study presents one of the first times multiple criteri a analysis has been used in coral reef management, let alone in a non-indus trialised setting. The results suggest that the method may be more widely u seful than previously thought.