Marine ecosystem-based management: challenges remain, yet solutions exist, and progress is occurring

npj Ocean Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(1)

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) is recognized as the best practice for managing multiple ocean-use sectors, explicitly addressing tradeoffs among them. However, implementation perceived challenging and often slow. A poll of over 150 international EBM experts revealed progress, challenges, solutions in worldwide. Subsequent follow-up discussions with 40 these identified remaining impediments to further EBM: governance; stakeholder engagement; support; uncertainty about understanding EBM; technology data; communication marketing. portrayed too complex or be fully implemented, but we report that identifiable achievable exist (e.g., political will, persistence, capacity building, changing incentives, strategic marketing EBM), most challenges some can solve many simultaneously. Furthermore, are advancing key components by practitioners who may not necessarily realize they doing so under different paradigms. These findings indicate substantial progress on EBM, more than previously reported.

Language: Английский

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Climate Change Influences via Species Distribution Shifts and Century‐Scale Warming in an End‐To‐End California Current Ecosystem Model

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Climate change can impact marine ecosystems through many biological and ecological processes. Ecosystem models are one tool that be used to simulate how the complex impacts of climate may manifest in a warming world. In this study, we an end‐to‐end Atlantis ecosystem model compare contrast effects climate‐driven species redistribution projected temperature from three separate on key commercial importance California Current Ecosystem. Adopting scenario analysis approach, measure differences biomass, abundance, weight at age pelagic demersal among six simulations for years 2013–2100 tracked implications those changes spatially defined fishing fleets. The varied their use forced distribution shifts, time‐varying projections ocean warming, or both. general, abundance biomass coastal like Pacific sardine ( Sardinops sagax ) northern anchovy Engraulis mordax were more sensitive change, while groups Dover sole Microstomus pacificus experienced smaller due counteracting spatial metabolic warming. Climate‐driven shifts resulting food web interactions influential than end‐of‐century patterns. Spatial fisheries catch did not always align with targeted species. This mismatch is likely into out areas emphasizes explicit understanding both dynamics. We illuminate important pathways which acts context end discussion potential management future directions research using models.

Language: Английский

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It is past time to use ecosystem models tactically to support ecosystem‐based fisheries management: Case studies using Ecopath with Ecosim in an operational management context

Fish and Fisheries, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 24(3), P. 381 - 406

Published: Feb. 27, 2023

Abstract The implementation of ecosystem management requires modelling within the context a natural resource process. Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) is most widely used platform for investigating dynamics marine ecosystems, but has played limited role in fisheries and multi‐sector decision‐making. We review 10 case studies that demonstrate use EwE to support operational management. models are being inform tactical decision‐making other ocean sectors, as well identify key trade‐offs, develop appropriate policy objectives, reconcile conflicting legislative mandates variety ecosystems. suggest following criteria enhance management: (1) clear objective can be addressed through modelling; (2) an important trade‐off receptive amenable evaluation; (3) accessible well‐documented model follows best practices; (4) early iterative engagement among scientists, stakeholders, managers; (5) integration collaborative process; (6) multi‐model approach; (7) rigorous Our suggests existing frameworks much or more limitation than technical issues related data availability uncertainty. Ecosystem increasingly needed facilitate effective transparent assert requisite conditions currently exist enhanced strategic

Language: Английский

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Linking climate stressors to ecological processes in ecosystem models, with a case study from the Gulf of Alaska

ICES Journal of Marine Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 22, 2024

Abstract As climate stressors are impacting marine ecosystems and fisheries across the world, ecosystem models that incorporate environmental variables increasingly used to inform ecosystem-based management. The assumptions around mechanistic links between biological processes in these important, but implications for model outcomes of which captured how they affect modeled seldom explored. Using a whole-ecosystem (Atlantis) Gulf Alaska, we explore effects capturing physical (increased temperature) biogeochemical (decreased low trophic level productivity) stressors, disentangle each stressor on productivity forage fish, groundfish, fish-eating seabirds. We then test alternative specifications temperature-driven habitat determination bioenergetics. Increased temperature resulted increased weight-at-age higher natural mortality, while decreased mortality. Model specification dependence movement spawning influenced outcomes, decoupling from led overly optimistic biomass predictions. use management becomes more operational, illustrate ecological influence outcomes.

Language: Английский

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Calibrating ecosystem models to support ecosystem-based management of marine systems

ICES Journal of Marine Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 81(2), P. 260 - 275

Published: Jan. 24, 2024

Abstract Ecosystem models, such as Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE), provide a platform to simulate intricate policy scenarios where multiple species, pressures, and ecosystem services interact. Complex questions often return complex answers, necessitating evidence advice be communicated in terms of trade-offs, risks, uncertainty. Calibration procedures for EwE, which can act source uncertainty bias model results, have yet explored comprehensive way that communicates how sensitive outputs are different calibration approaches. As the EwE community has grown, divergent approaches been applied calibrate models through estimation vulnerability multipliers: parameters augment consumption rate limits predators. Here we explore underlying principles multipliers well existing their justification. Two case studies presented: first explores emerge based on chosen approach using simulated data, while second takes two operational (Irish Sea Northwest Atlantic Continental Shelf) compares when calibrated following alternate We show impact model-derived list best practice recommendations calibration.

Language: Английский

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Spatiotemporal dynamics of Atlantic reef fishes off the southeastern U.S. coast

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(6)

Published: June 1, 2024

Abstract Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of fish species is a central concern in ecology and crucial for guiding management conservation efforts. We constructed joint distribution model (JSDM) to simultaneously estimate distributions densities 21 reef southeastern United States (SEUS). The separately estimates encounter probability positive density, accounts unobserved spatial variation using latent factors, where correlations among are induced. applied video data collected from large‐scale, fishery independent survey. A clustering method was results JSDM group based on synchrony density. found strong associations most species. However, did exhibit differences occupied habitat that varied with latitude and/or depth. Within their area habitat, almost all share similar pattern average some species, annual were less correlated expected perhaps due differing responses underlying drivers. Some show significant declines abundance, example, black sea bass, red porgy, blueline tilefish, while small number showed evidence shifts distribution, bass. findings suggest strategies may be limited utility reducing bycatch these highly mixed fisheries high patterns Species‐specific environmental change also influence structure assemblages. This work suggests attention needed lesser known as they showing declining trends abundance.

Language: Английский

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Development and analyses of stakeholder driven conceptual models to support the implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management in the U.S. Caribbean

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(5), P. e0304101 - e0304101

Published: May 31, 2024

Fisheries management agencies in the U.S. Caribbean are currently taking steps into transitioning from a single species approach to one that includes Ecosystem Based Management (EBFM) considerations. In this study, we developed and analyzed stakeholder-driven conceptual models with seven different stakeholder groups Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands assess compare their perceptions of fishery ecosystem. Conceptual were for each group during 29 separate workshops involving total 236 participants representing Commercial Fishers, Managers, Academics, Local Businesses, Environmental NGOs, Fishery Council (CFMC) District Advisory Panels (DAPs) Scientific Statistical Committee (SSC). Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) two-mode social network analysis used investigate differences similarities between as well identify priority ecosystem elements threats. Results show important variations stakeholders islands terms perceived importance components relationships, which supports need collaborative approaches co-production knowledge United States (U.S.) region. Despite variation, areas common concern among identified such as: habitat integrity (e.g., coral reefs), water quality, influence recreational fisheries tourism on marine ecosystems. Findings study support use effective tools guide decision-making, aid prioritization data collection, increase collaboration cooperation context management.

Language: Английский

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Linking knowledge and action for climate-ready fisheries: Emerging best practices across the US

Marine Policy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 155, P. 105758 - 105758

Published: July 5, 2023

Despite progress in understanding and predicting climate change impacts possible responses for US marine fisheries, use of climate-related information federal fishery management decisions remains limited. One barrier to linking knowledge action is that individual bodies' efforts tend be isolated, with few opportunities coordinate or communicate about successes shared challenges. To promote cross-regional learning, we distill eight best practices from emerging climate-focused efforts, drawn a collaborative workshop, literature, authors' experiences. We conceptualize these as interrelated—and incomplete—pieces knowledge-to-action "puzzle" could adopted based on regional context. practice, mapping out processes structure identify "on-ramps" (3.1), represents foundational centerpiece enables other practices. Three apply primarily internal processes: frame initiatives within existing mandates (3.2); strategically incorporate qualitative deal uncertainty (3.3); pilot healthy lower-risk stocks (3.4). Another set pertains include broader stakeholders: engage stakeholders early often (3.5), emphasize local priorities (3.6), employ structured keep track (3.7), leverage research build trust overcome capacity constraints (3.8). highlight demonstrate how were implemented, discuss continued challenges, where expanded support climate-ready fisheries.

Language: Английский

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Evaluating the efficacy of fisheries management strategies in China for achieving multiple objectives under climate change

Ocean & Coastal Management, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 245, P. 106870 - 106870

Published: Sept. 30, 2023

Language: Английский

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Using ecosystem models to inform ecosystem-based fisheries management in Europe: a review of the policy landscape and related stakeholder needs

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: Oct. 3, 2023

The need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) is enshrined in numerous regulations and strategies, at both global European level. In practice, it challenging EBFM because requires a complex evaluation of interlinked effects environmental climate forcing on multi-species interactions, habitat status human activities. Ecosystem models are one the most critical research tools inform EBFM, they can integrate wide variety data, examine multiple ecosystem make forecasts based specific scenarios. However, despite clear progress marine modelling, many do not address policy goals targets, which hinders uptake policy. this paper, we review policies implementing bodies directly or indirectly have repercussion implementation EBFM. Moreover, highlight stakeholder needs related waters, could help address. We commitments that drive these concerns raised by stakeholders during survey dedicated workshop. Key topics concern were change; bycatch; protected areas/fisheries restricted areas; reducing impacts trawling. Stakeholders also provided questions Scenario data results visualizations, as well barriers using for decision-making discussed. A close involvement scenario development designing graphical outputs important, overcome some main hinder scenarios, including lack understanding benefits limits models; insufficient interaction with stakeholders; inadequate characterization uncertainties.

Language: Английский

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