Abstract
Tsushima Island's marine ecosystem has recently experienced accelerating losses of wildlife populations and species, impacting fisheries. This study looks at methods being considered for establishing an MPA at Tsushima Is., the first such attempt by a municipality in Japan, and aims to serve as a consensus-building tool for choosing an appropriate area. First, we interviewed island people and observed sites jointly with local fishermen. Results showed close relationships between fishing ground locations and sea-bottom topography and tidal flows that should be taken into account in choosing areas for protection. We also found that making GIS data visually available to be an effective way to help establish MPAs.
