Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management 1999-2015: Lessons Being Learned

Abstract

In 1996 Congress asked for a review of how ecosystem principles were being applied in regional fishery management in the United States.  That resulted in a baseline report (EPAP 1999) outlining principles, performing an initial assessment and making recommendations how fishery management councils better could implement ecosystem-based fishery management [EBFM].  A decade and a half later the Science Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prepared a report documenting progress toward the goal of EBFM based on review of actions taken by regional councils (NOAA SAB 2014) using criteria from the earlier report as well as advances in the ecosystem management literature.  Significant experience on EBFM implementation has accumulated over time and it is apparent that diverse approaches are being applied yielding valuable lessons and insights.   This presentation reports on the progress being made and lessons from implementation and makes recommendations for improving implementation and with respect to major ecosystem-level challenges posed by economic and social changes as well as changing ocean conditions associated with ocean acidification, temperature and other factors.