Structured decision analysis is based on decision theory, offering a framework and methods to organize and analyze decision problems.  A structured process involved a stepwise articulation and analysis of components supporting the decision making process.  The steps commonly employed in a structured decision analysis involve problem definition, articulation of objectives, development of alternative actions, predictions of consequences, and a step of optimization to choose among alternatives.  The decision analysis methods offer a diverse set of tools to organize, compare, and rank alternatives, allowing the incorporation of both empirical data and expert opinion with the framework.   We are applying these concepts in a series of workshops with local communities, to develop a framework for considering future resource sustainability in the arctic coastal marine zone.