Ecosystem-based management of coastal fish

Magnus AppelbergSwedish Board of FisheriesHELCOM FISH

Institute of Coastal Research

The ecosystem approacha strategy for integrated

management for sustainable use of natural recourses

recognizes humans as an integral component of ecosystems

presumes that management should be adaptive to ecosystem change

Ecosystem approach

Institute of Coastal Research

Why ecosystem based fish management in coastal areasanalytical assessments not applicable

need for alternative methods

area specific reference points

habitat variationlocal stocks/geneticdifferentiation

adaptive managementsustainable fisheriesenvironmental impact stakeholder involvement

Ecosystem approach

Gädda

8 områden, ~ 4-60

Pike stock distribution

Institute of Coastal Research

HELCOM FISH projectSet of indicators and reference values (directions) applicable to assess status of coastal fish Evaluation and recommendations of the use of indicators in assessments of coastal fish Thematic assessments based on indicators, information necessary for identifying potential restoration programmes Revision of the HELCOM Red List of threatened and declining species

Ecosystem approach

Institute of Coastal Research

Way forwardSpatial planning

Assessment methods and data collection

Reference points and management objectives

Methodology for forecasting

Stakeholder involvement

Adaptive management plans

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Institute of Coastal Research

Spatial planningPrerequisite for implementing plans and actions Spatial data used to:

identify land and water useidentify sensitive areas (eg.

spawning and nursery areas and home range areas of red-listed species).

estimate potential production (modeling approach)

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Institute of Coastal Research

Assessment and data collection

assessment of populations and community status

reliable (biological and statistical) and simple, assessment tools

relations between pressure and status indicators

simple theoretical framework based on Pressure-State-Response

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Institute of Coastal Research

Reference points and objectives

reliable area specific reference points (directions)

lack of historical data= a lack of reference points

reference points/directions inferred from ecological changes

changes in ecological state indicators inferred from changes in pressure indicators

use of a modeling approach

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Institute of Coastal Research

Methodology for forecastingassessment results and reference directions used

to predict future changes present modeling and forecast techniques not yet

sufficient for precise predictionsneed for further research

Ecosystem approach Way forward

GIS-derived visibility proxy GIS-derived wave exposure Depth

Prediction of pike recruitment vs environmental variables

Institute of Coastal Research

Stakeholder involvementStakeholder involvement necessary:- for defining management areas - setting area specific objectives- performing actions and follow-up- being a responsible part of the process

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Institute of Coastal Research

Adaptive management plans

Ecosystem approach Way forward

Plans

Actions

Follow-up

Assessment

Adjustment of plans (and objectives

Objectives

Climateforcing

Eutrophication

Habitat degradation

Institute of Coastal Research

Examples of management of coastal fishTemporal closures of recruitment areas in the Stockholm Archipelago

Restoration of spawning habitats in coastal freshwaters

Pikeperch stocking for mediating effects of eutrophication

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples

Institute of Coastal Research

Temporal closures of recruitment areas in the Stockholm Archipelago

Objective: Increase recruitment success of coastal fish species- joint initiative among stakeholders-temporally closure of 17 recruitment areas- GIS-modeling for selecting areas-effect studies ongoing

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples

Institute of Coastal Research

Restoration of spawning habitats in coastal freshwatersObjective:Restore spawning habitats of coastal fish- Joint initiative among stakeholders- development of methods for reestablishment of coastal predators- actions both in freshwaters and coastal areas

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples

Foto Hans Hästbacka & Janne Widjeskog

Institute of Coastal Research

Pikeperch stocking for mediating effects of eutrophicationObjectiveRestore the food web structure in an eutrophied bay through pikeperch stocking- fishery action integrated with changes in nutrient loads- scientific initiative with stakeholder involvement- outcome beneficial both for environment and fisheries

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples

Institute of Coastal Research

Suggested recommendationsSelect of a set of coastal pilot areas for spatial

studies and management

Analyse production estimates for the pilot areas based on habitat models

Develop biologically and statistically sound assessment and forecasting tools (including data collection and area specific reference points) for coastal fish communities (HELCOM FISH)

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples Recommendations

Institute of Coastal Research

Establish an information database within HELCOM, open to the public

Involve relevant stakeholders in the pilot areas for setting common objectives for managers to suggest actions

Elaborate management strategies based on an adaptive approach

Ecosystem approach Way forward Examples Recommendations