About EBM

This page currently provides information about EBM tools resources that is targeted for specific sectors.  We will expand it as we find about more and develop more targeted resources.

>>> MARINE ECOSYSTEM MODELING AND FISHERIES

Comprehensive Report on Modeling Approaches for Ecosystem Approaches to Fisheries

FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 477 "Models for an ecoystem approach to fisheries" by Eva E. Plaganyi of the University of Cape Town provides a comprehensive review of the methods available for assessing the impacts of interactions between species and fisheries and their implications for marine fisheries management.  A brief description of the various modelling approaches currently in existence is provided, highlighting in particular features of these models which have general relevance to the field of the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF).  The report concentrates on the currently available models representative of general types such as bionergetic models, predator-prey models and minimally realistic models.  Short descriptions are given of model parameters, assumptions and data requirements.  Some of the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each of the approaches in addressing questions pertaining to EAF are discussed.  The report concludes with some recommendations for moving forward in the development of multi-species and ecosystem models and for the prudent use of the currently available models as tools for provision of scientific information on fisheries in an ecosystem context.  Learn more.

EUR-OCEANS Model Shopping Tool (MoST)

The Model Shopping Tool provides a searchable database of current ocean ecoystem models, including details on the processes, number and types of functional groups, and key variables they simulate.  It also serves as a common platform for sharing knowledge within the modeling community and with experimental scientists.  Learn more.

>>> INLAND FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE

GISFish Website 

GISFish, created and managed by the FAO Aquaculture Management and Conservation Service, is a "one stop" website to provide information on and interact with professions in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and Mapping as applied to Aquaculture and Inland fisheries.  Learn more.

>>> FRESHWATER CONSERVATION

Geospatial Resources for Freshwater Conservation Website

The Geospatial Resources for Freshwater Conservation website, created and managed by the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, is geared toward people interested in using geospatial tools for freshwater conservation applications.  It provides links to the tools necessary to plan, acquire, process, and analyze geospatial data for freshwater applications, as well as guides, tutorials, and case studies.  Learn more.

Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM) Newsletter 

Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM) is a quarterly information service about marine EBM.  MEAM serves the global resource management community with news, views, analysis, and tips gathered from experts around the world.  Learn more and read past issues.

Implementing EBM: Governance Gaps, Conflicts and Needs 

In October 2006, the Environmental Law Institute launched its project, Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management: Governance Gaps, Conflicts and Needs, to identify and develop practical legal and institutional approaches to EBM implementation.  In the first phase of the project, they surveyed existing regional programs to begin to understand the laws and institutions available or needed for EBM success. They integrated this research with the insights that working group members and meeting participants shared during the first EBM governance working group meeting, held in February, 2007, into their first report. Learn more.

Gulf of Maine EBM Toolkit Survey Report

The Gulf of Maine EBM Toolkit Survey was conducted in 2007 to help determine the types of tools and information needed to put EBM into practice.  The survey included 55 people involved in ocean and coastal management in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and U.S. and Canadian federal waters.  The report provides region-specific information on management issues to which practitioners seek to apply EBM, critical obstacles to implementing EBM, and tools and information needed to put EBM into practice.  Learn more.

NOAA Coastal Services Center Coastal EBM Needs Assessment

NOAA Coastal Services Center recently released a new Coastal EBM Needs Assessment.  The assessment looks at results from about 250 respondents regarding their EBM knowledge, attitudes, use, obstacles, and data, tools, and training needs.  Learn more.

EBM Tools Network EBM Tools and Tools Training Needs Assessment

The EBM Tools Network released the results of a survey on what EBM practitioners need in terms of tools and capacity-building in September, 2007. Respondents shared their views on what they consider to be the most severe problems for implementing EBM; the most critical needs for planning and implementing EBM; the importance of increasing awareness of EBM tools; and other data.  [Please note: The EBM Tools Training Needs Assessment can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.]

Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) is a management approach that:

• Integrates ecological, social, and economic goals and recognizes humans as key components of the ecosystem.
• Considers ecological- not just political- boundaries.
• Addresses the complexity of natural processes and social systems and uses an adaptive management approach in the face of resulting uncertainties.
• Engages multiple stakeholders in a collaborative process to define problems and find solutions.
• Incorporates understanding of ecosystem processes and how ecosystems respond to environmental perturbations.
• Is concerned with the ecological integrity of coastal-marine systems and the sustainability of both human and ecological systems.

For additional information about EBM, see the COMPASS Consensus Statement on EBM and the COMPASS website.