ecosystem-based management: a comprehensive approach

Ecosystem-Based Management:A Comprehensive Approach

Steve Murawski Chief Scientist, NOAA Fisheries Service &NOAA Ecosystem Goal Team Lead

CHOW Panel DiscussionJune 7, 2007, Rayburn House Office Bldg. 2325

What is Ecosystem-Based Management?

How can it be applied?

Case studies implementing EBM in ocean & coastal resource management

Legislative, Science & Management Priorities for advancing EBM

Sponsored by: National MarineSanctuary Foundation

Why Ecosystem-Based

Management?

Numerous External Ocean Policy Mandates; & High Internal Demand

ExpandingMandates inCurrent andProposed

legislation

What is an Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM)?

An ecosystem approach to management is one that provides a comprehensive framework for marine and coastal resource decision making. In contrast to individual species or single issue management, EAM considers a wider range of relevant ecological, environmental, and human factors bearing on societal choices regarding resource use.”.NOAA EGT

“Look at the whole picture, not just the parts.”

Dave GoethelNew England Fishery Management Council

SIMOR Fisheries Constituent Listening Session - October 2006

“Ecosystem approaches to ocean resource management

are not well defined and we donot know how to implement them”

UN Law of the Sea Meeting, June 2006

The #1 Myth Concerning EAM:

Benefits of Effective EBMmore effectively meet ever broadening management and

stewardship objectives by engaging more diverse sets of partners and stakeholders

science and outreach products are combined in ways that allow more efficient delivery and imaginative analysis and forecasting

delivers new products that evaluate the current state and pressures on regional ecosystems as well as their parts

provides greater interagency leadership to: (1) improve the management of trust resources, (2) increase the resiliency of coastal communities and economies to natural and human-induced change, and to (3) better enable the public to understand and support restoration & protection of oceans and coasts

Panel Members & Format

Representative Wayne Gilchrest (Maryland)Mr. Pat WhiteDr. Peter AusterDr. Steve GittingsDr. Jo-Ann C. LeongDr. Elliott Norse

Moderated discussion between the Panel & Audience

brief presentations:

followed by:

Chesapeake BayEBM in Action…

• Urbanization, invasives• Natural resource management• Agricultural run-off