The Ecosystem Approach In Capture Fisheries

The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management of Capture Fisheries

Kevern Cochrane and Gabriella Bianchi Fishery Resources Division FAO

A range of views on EFBM (2) (from Lackey, 1999) “The move to ecosystem management concepts is 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. It embraces 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)

A range of views on EFBM (from Lackey, 1999)

“I promise you that I can justify anything you want to do by saying it is ecosystem management. Not that I don’t think it is a good idea. I applaud it. But right now its incredibly nebulous.” (Thomas, 1993)

Why the need for EAF? An ecosystem approach to fisheries is a response to the identified shortcomings in traditional fisheries management, which has been based on a single-species perspective and model.

The underlying rationale of single-species approaches: the Schaefer Model 120 MSY

Surplus production

100 80 60 40 20

B0

0 0

200

400

BMSY 600

Stock size

800

1000

The ecological reality:

…that leads to a web of interactions

Implications of Ecosystem Interactions for Traditional Fisheries Management • Changes in the habitat will affect the average sustainable yield. • Different fisheries are linked through catches and through the food web. • All human goals for an ecosystem cannot be simultaneously achieved. • Even traditionally ‘well-managed’ fisheries can impact biodiversity. • Uncertainty is a primary factor influencing our ability to management capture fisheries • As a result while traditional methods may work in the short-term, they are likely to result in longterm changes in nature and productivity.

Definition of EAF An Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries strives to 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.

The 12 principles of an ecosystem approach (CBD, Decision V/6) 1: The objectives of management of natural resources are a matter of societal choice. 2: Management should be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level. 3: Must consider the effects of activities on other ecosystems. 4: … need to manage the ecosystem in an economic context. 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.

Principles 6-12 • manage ecosystems within the limits of their functioning;. • appropriate spatial and temporal scales. • objectives should be set for the long term. • recognize that change is inevitable. • seek the appropriate balance between conservation and use of biological diversity. • consider all forms of relevant information • involve all relevant sectors of society and scientific disciplines.

EAF In Practice

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

Hierarchical Tree Framework 8 major components of ESD

The goal of EAF: feasible, reconciled objectives for all stakeholders PROTECTION BIODIVERSITY SUBSISTENCE FISHERY

ECOTOURISM SECTOR

DEMERSAL TRAWL FISHERY SEA BIRD CONSERVATION

PROTECTION CRITICAL HABITATS

TUNA FISHERY

RECREATIONAL FISHERY

SMALL PELAGIC FISHERY

Threats to Implementing EAF • Mismatch between expectations and resources. • Reconciling much expanded set of conflicting objectives. • Insufficient or inadequate participation by stakeholders. • Insufficient knowledge. • Equity issues. • Etc.

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"