the ecosystem approach in capture fisheries

8/14/2019 The Ecosystem Approach in Capture Fisheries

1/17

The Ecosystem Approach to

Fisheries Managementof Capture Fisheries

Kevern Cochrane and Gabriella Bianchi

Fishery Resources Division

FAO


2/17

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)


3/17

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)


4/17

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.


5/17

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


6/17

The ecological reality:


7/17

that leads to a web of

interactions


8/17

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.


9/17

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.


10/17

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.


11/17

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.


12/17

EAF In Practice


13/17

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


14/17

Hierarchical Tree Framework8 major components of ESD


15/17

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


16/17

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.


17/17

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"

the ecosystem approach in capture fisheries

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