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The Ecosystem Approach to
Fisheries Managementof Capture Fisheries
Kevern Cochrane and Gabriella Bianchi
Fishery Resources Division
FAO
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A range of views on EFBM (2)(from Lackey, 1999)
The move to ecosystem management conceptsis an evolutionary process that has been
underway for decades and is becoming more
and more feasible with developments in science,
technology and philosophy. (Thomas, 1996)
Ecosystem management defines a paradigm
that weaves biophysical and social threads into
a tapestry of beauty, health, and sustainability. Itembraces both social and ecological dynamics
in a flexible and adaptive process. Ecosystem
management celebrates the wisdom of both our
minds and hearts, and lights our path to the
future (Cornett, 1994)
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A range of views on EFBM(from Lackey, 1999)
I promise you that I can justify
anything you want to do by sayingit is ecosystem management. Not
that I dont think it is a good idea. I
applaud it. But right now itsincredibly nebulous. (Thomas,
1993)
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Why the need for EAF?
An ecosystem approach to fisheries
is a response to the identifiedshortcomings in traditional fisheries
management, which has been
based on a single-speciesperspective and model.
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The underlying rationale of single-species
approaches: the Schaefer Model
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Stock size
S
urplusproduction
BMSY
B0
MSY
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The ecological reality:
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that leads to a web of
interactions
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Implications of Ecosystem Interactions
for Traditional Fisheries Management
Changes in the habitat will affect the averagesustainable yield.
Different fisheries are linked through catchesand through the food web.
All human goals for an ecosystem cannot besimultaneously achieved.
Even traditionally well-managed fisheries canimpact biodiversity.
Uncertainty is a primary factor influencing ourability to management capture fisheries
As a result while traditional methods may work inthe short-term, they are likely to result in long-
term changes in nature and productivity.
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Definition of EAF
An Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries strivesto balance diverse societal objectives, by
taking account of the knowledge and
uncertainties about biotic, abiotic and human
components of ecosystems and their
interactions and applying an integrated
approach to fisheries within ecologically
meaningful boundaries.
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The 12 principles of an ecosystem
approach (CBD, Decision V/6)
1: The objectives of management of natural resources area matter of societal choice.
2: Management should be decentralized to the lowestappropriate level.
3: Must consider the effects of activities on otherecosystems.
4: need to manage the ecosystem in an economiccontext. Actions include:(a) reduce market distortions that adversely affect biological
diversity;(b) align incentives to promote biodiversity conservation and
sustainable use;
(c) internalize costs and benefits in the ecosystem...
5: Conserve ecosystem structure and functioning, in order
to maintain ecosystem services.
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Principles 6-12
manage ecosystems within the limits of theirfunctioning;.
appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
objectives should be set for the long term. recognize that change is inevitable.
seek the appropriate balance betweenconservation and use of biological diversity.
consider all forms of relevant information
involve all relevant sectors of society andscientific disciplines.
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EAF In Practice
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Making EAF Operational
High level policy goals
(Economic, Social, Environmental)
Broad objective relevant to the fishery
Priority issues
(level at which management can address)
Operational objectives
Indicators and reference points
Decision rules
Review and performance evaluation
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Hierarchical Tree Framework8 major components of ESD
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The goal of EAF: feasible, reconciled
objectives for all stakeholders
SUBSISTENCEFISHERY DEMERSAL
TRAWL
FISHERY
ECO-
TOURISM
SECTOR
PROTECTION
BIO-
DIVERSITY
PROTECTION
CRITICAL
HABITATS
SEA BIRD
CONSER-
VATION
TUNA
FISHERY
RECREAT-
IONAL
FISHERY
SMALL
PELAGIC
FISHERY
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Threats to Implementing EAF
Mismatch between expectations and resources.
Reconciling much expanded set of conflicting
objectives.
Insufficient or inadequate participation bystakeholders.
Insufficient knowledge.
Equity issues. Etc.
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Examples of EAF in Practice
Progress towards ecologically sustainable
development of fisheries in Australia.
NOAA has developed a prototype Fisheries
Ecosystem Plan for the Chesapeake Bay currently under peer-review of the draft plan.
Angola, Namibia and South Africa. FAO/BCLME
project: Ecosystem Approaches for Fisheries
(EAF) Management in the BCLME"