Future Ocean Observations to Connect Climate, Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

Abstract

Advances in ocean observing technologies and modeling provide the capacity to revolutionize the management of living marine resources. While traditional fisheries management approaches like single-species stock assessments are still common, a global effort is underway to adopt ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approaches. These approaches consider changes in the physical environment and interactions between ecosystem elements, including human uses, holistically. For example, integrated ecosystem assessments aim to synthesize a suite of observations (physical, biological, socioeconomic) and modeling platforms [ocean circulation models, ecological models, short-term forecasts, management strategy evaluations (MSEs)] to assess the current status and recent and future trends of ecosystem components. This information provides guidance for better management strategies. A common thread in EBFM approaches is the need for high-quality observations of ocean conditions, at Frontiers in Marine Science | www.frontiersin.org 1 September 2019 | Volume 6 | Article 550 Schmidt et al. Ocean Observation Futures for Fisheriesscales that resolve critical physical-biological processes and are timely for management needs. Here we explore options for a future observing system that meets the needs of EBFM by (i) identifying observing needs for different user groups, (ii) reviewing relevant datasets and existing technologies, (iii) showcasing regional case studies, and (iv) recommending observational approaches required to implement EBFM. We recommend linking ocean observing within the context of Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and other regional ocean observing efforts with fisheries observations, new forecasting methods, and capacity development, in a comprehensive ocean observing framework.

Adapting to climate‐driven distribution shifts using model‐based indices and age composition from multiple surveys in the walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) stock assessment

“…For fisheries management to be able to respond to changes in fish productivity and distribution in the Bering Sea, the first step is to identify which species are most affected. Quantitatively identifying and assessing changes in fish productivity and distribution in response to climate is a rapidly developing research topic in ecology, oceanography, and fisheries (Furuichi et al., 2020; Holsman et al., 2019; Schmidt et al., 2019; Thorson, Ianelli, et al, 2016; Thorson, Pinsky, & Ward, 2016; Tommasi et al., 2017; Torre, Tanaka, & Chen, 2019).…”

Marine monitoring in Europe: is it adequate to address environmental threats and pressures?

“…Developments are underway to move assessments towards a more integrated cross-disciplinary ecosystem approach both in Europe (e.g. OSPAR 12 ; EEA, 2011, 2015b; HELCOM, 2018) and globally (Schmidt et al, 2019). This will require more coordinated monitoring across descriptors and a focus on acquiring long-term datasets, particularly for addressing cross-cutting issues such as climate change and ocean acidification (Tett et al, 2013;Schmidt et al, 2019).…”

“…OSPAR 12 ; EEA, 2011, 2015b; HELCOM, 2018) and globally (Schmidt et al, 2019). This will require more coordinated monitoring across descriptors and a focus on acquiring long-term datasets, particularly for addressing cross-cutting issues such as climate change and ocean acidification (Tett et al, 2013;Schmidt et al, 2019). Responses indicating that a number of monitoring programmes have been running for more than 10 years are extremely positive, providing data to allow for the detection of temporal trends in pressures and their impacts on the marine environment.…”

“…Davidson et al (2019) provide an overview of the need for operational oceanographic systems, which include a multi-platform observation network, as well as systems for data management, data assimilation and prediction, and data dissemination and accessibility. Key components of such systems include an integrated approach (She et al, 2019), partnerships and shared approaches for monitoring, assessment and data (Bax et al, 2019;Canonico et al, 2019;Míguez et al, 2019;Schmidt et al, 2019;Stammer et al, 2019;Tanhua et al, 2019;Weller et al, 2019), instrumented moorings (fixed platforms; Bailey et al, 2019), and new methodologies for monitoring, including in situ biochemical, biological, and molecular sensors (reviewed by Wang et al, 2019).…”

“…Across the globe, marine monitoring networks are becoming increasingly important for the collection, dissemination, and sharing of data for improved scientific understanding, assessment of the health of marine ecosystems, and forecasting the likely impacts of environmental change and human activities (e.g. Schofield et al, 2002Schofield et al, , 2003Proctor and Howarth, 2008;Duarte et al, 2018;Bailey et al, 2019;Bax et al, 2019;Buck et al, 2019;Canonico et al, 2019;Davidson et al, 2019;Grand et al, 2019;Smith et al, 2019a, b). In Europe, for example, projects and infrastructures such as JERICO 3 , DEVOTES 4 , COPERNICUS 5 , EMODnet 6 , EMSO ERIC 7 , and AtlantOS 8 have played a significant role in the coordination and advancement of monitoring in coastal and offshore waters, from operational marine services to delivering data products to end users.…”