Decision Making Best Practices: a Case Study of Artificial Reef Decision Making in the Florida Keys

Most local decision-makers do not have the experience to apply to many proposals and rely on existing anecdotal data and "expert" testimony. A lack of evaluation criteria adds to the difficulties of determining if a project proposal is appropriate for thier community. This book discusses criteria and best practices for evaluation of projects, providing a decision-making matrix. Although the focus of this book is on artificial reefs, this matrix could be modified to apply to any project where similar dynamics apply. The matrix uses a disaggregate method modeled after the Goeller scorecard. The matrix applies identified best practices and provides a scoring method that can assist the decision-making process. The book acknowledges the limitations of proposals and realizes that many decisions in a political realm have variables not covered in this study. However, the lack of decision-making continuity demonstrates the need for this research as s first step.