A sociotechnical systems approach to Coastal Marine Spatial Planning

Abstract

This thesis conducted a requirements analysis on the planning and permitting process for ocean aquaculture operations in the state of Hawaii, which is applicable to the other Pacific Islands within the jurisdiction of the Pacific Islands Regional Planning Body (PIRPB). The aim of the analysis was to form the basis for and generation of a set of capability requirement recommendations for a future Coastal Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) decision-support system. All research, data collection, modeling, analysis, and recommendations were conducted from a systems engineering perspective and specifically used a sociotechnical systems approach. The research investigated aquaculture permitting from the perspective of the aquaculture companies that must navigate the process. Personnel from three Hawaiian aquaculture companies were interviewed. These interviews provided the bulk of the raw data that was used in subsequent analysis. This raw data was then honed by way of content analysis. From there the macroergonomic analysis and design methodology was adapted for use in analysis and generation of capability requirements for a decision-support system. The study resulted in the generation of 16 recommended requirements for the design of a coastal and marine spatial planning decision support tool.