What model suits ecosystem-based fisheries management? A plea for a structured modeling process

Abstract

As tools within ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), a wide range of Ecosystem Models (EMs) have been designed to represent ecosystem complexity, but it is not always clear how the outputs of these models can be applied. We address this debate in a literature review to illustrate how a better understanding of ecosystem modeling within the EBFM framework could facilitate the use of EMs in the decision-making process. We classify EMs according to their complexity, and qualitatively evaluate their level of success with regard to five general goals of EBFM. In principle, no single EM is found to successfully accomplish all the EBFM goals. Therefore, we suggest that the way in which ecosystem modeling can effectively contribute to EBFM is through a structured modeling process, which should be pursued according to the context of each specific area. Within this planning strategy a range of Ems should be considered, from rather simple ones with few parameters, whose outputs are scientifically robust but possibly of limited use within the EBFM, to those which include a large number of ecosystem elements yet at the expense of increased uncertainty. If multiple EMs, despite their different assumptions, leads to consistent and converging results then robust management decisions will be supported. The present paper appears particularly useful to anyone confronted with the selection of modeling tools for the implementation of fisheries management strategies considering the particular situation of the fishery.

Proposed best modeling practices for assessing the effects of ecosystem restoration on fish

“…Jakeman et al (2006) proposed a similar scheme based on these elements, and Fath et al (2011) and Wainwright and Mulligan (2004) proposed more generic versions that use the same basic steps. Espinoza-Tenorio et al (2012) and FAO (2008) also proposed analogous best practices schemes in the context of modelling for ecosystem-based fisheries management.…”

From adoption to implementation? An academic perspective on Sustainable Fisheries Management in a developing country

“…For instance, research on the viability of novel management instruments such as Total Allowable Catch (TAC) needs to be evaluated for different disciplines and for a greater number of local fisheries. As no single instrument successfully accomplishes all SFM goals, and not all management approaches are appropriate in every situation, fishery managers should utilize a set of multiple, mutually reinforcing of management tools [55,56].…”

Un modelo cualitativo de la comunidad biológica del Norte del Golfo de California, México: posibles efectos de la explotación pesquera en el ecosistema

“…Aunque las causas son múlti-ples (e.g., cambios en el aporte de agua dulce del Río Colorado, la piratería y la consideración aislada de las actividades humanas), se ha sugerido que durante la planeación de las políticas pesqueras no se ha dado a conocer adecuadamente a los pescadores de la importancia de su participación (Bobadilla et al 2011). A esto se suman las limitaciones técnicas para emplear a los modelos ecosistémi-cos cuantitativos en la toma de decisiones (e.g., necesidad de grandes series de datos cuantitativos, poca accesibilidad a un amplio grupo de usuarios, largo tiempo de construcción; Bondavalli et al 2009;Espinoza-Tenorio et al 2012).…”