Table 4 Multiple criteria decision making matrix showing the four weighted criteria against the four main problems identified from the baseline data

Gaps due to tag position preventing transmissions

Low: experienced tagger ensured good tag placement

Low: tags are attached remotely

Medium: all data streams are compromised if tag is poorly positioned

Low: limited number of deployments each season

4 × 1 = 4

2 × 1 = 2

2 × 2 = 4

2 × 1 = 2

Gaps due to too much data recorded to receive

High: current programming schedule is collecting more daily messages than can be received

High: change programming schedule to reduce data amount

High: loss of data across all data streams

High: tags can be programmed before next deployment

4 × 3 = 12

2 × 3 = 6

2 × 3 = 6

2 × 3 = 6

Gaps due to not enough transmissions per day

Low: daily transmission limit was not reached in baseline tags

Low: daily transmission limit was not reached in baseline tags

Medium: changing transmission number will impact battery life

Low: no other options to receive data

4 × 1 = 4

2 × 1 = 2

2 × 2 = 4

2 × 1 = 2

Gaps due to animal surfacing behavior affecting reception rate

High: behavior affects message number

Medium: no way to control animal behavior, but can change programming schedule

Medium: behavior effects how all data streams are received

Medium: no way to control animal behavior, but can change programming schedule

4 × 3 = 12

2 × 2 = 4

2 × 2 = 4

2 × 2 = 4