3 research outputs found
Refining fisheries advice with stock-specific ecosystem information
Although frequently suggested as a goal for ecosystem-based fisheries management, incorporating ecosystem information into fisheries stock assessments has proven challenging. The uncertainty of input data, coupled with the structural uncertainty of complex multi-species models, currently makes the use of absolute values from such models contentious for short-term single-species fisheries management advice. Here, we propose a different approach where the standard assessment methodologies can be enhanced using ecosystem model derived information. Using a case study of the Irish Sea, we illustrate how stock-specific ecosystem indicators can be used to set an ecosystem-based fishing mortality reference point (FECO) within the “Pretty Good Yield” ranges for fishing mortality which form the present precautionary approach adopted in Europe by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). We propose that this new target, FECO, can be used to scale fishing mortality down when the ecosystem conditions for the stock are poor and up when conditions are good. This approach provides a streamlined quantitative way of incorporating ecosystem information into catch advice and provides an opportunity to operationalize ecosystem models and empirical indicators, while retaining the integrity of current assessment models and the FMSY-based advice process.publishedVersio
Refining Fisheries Advice With Stock-Specific Ecosystem Information
Publication history: Accepted - 17 March 2021; Published - 9 April 2021.Although frequently suggested as a goal for ecosystem-based fisheries management,
incorporating ecosystem information into fisheries stock assessments has proven
challenging. The uncertainty of input data, coupled with the structural uncertainty of
complex multi-species models, currently makes the use of absolute values from such
models contentious for short-term single-species fisheries management advice. Here,
we propose a different approach where the standard assessment methodologies can
be enhanced using ecosystem model derived information. Using a case study of the
Irish Sea, we illustrate how stock-specific ecosystem indicators can be used to set
an ecosystem-based fishing mortality reference point (FECO) within the “Pretty Good
Yield” ranges for fishing mortality which form the present precautionary approach
adopted in Europe by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). We
propose that this new target, FECO, can be used to scale fishing mortality down when
the ecosystem conditions for the stock are poor and up when conditions are good.
This approach provides a streamlined quantitative way of incorporating ecosystem
information into catch advice and provides an opportunity to operationalize ecosystem
models and empirical indicators, while retaining the integrity of current assessment
models and the FMSY -based advice process.This project (Grant-Aid Agreement No. CF/16/08) was carried
out with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under
the Marine Research Sub-programme by the Irish Government
Refining fisheries advice with stock-specific ecosystem information
Although frequently suggested as a goal for ecosystem-based fisheries management, incorporating ecosystem information into fisheries stock assessments has proven challenging. The uncertainty of input data, coupled with the structural uncertainty of complex multi-species models, currently makes the use of absolute values from such models contentious for short-term single-species fisheries management advice. Here, we propose a different approach where the standard assessment methodologies can be enhanced using ecosystem model derived information. Using a case study of the Irish Sea, we illustrate how stock-specific ecosystem indicators can be used to set an ecosystem-based fishing mortality reference point (FECO) within the “Pretty Good Yield” ranges for fishing mortality which form the present precautionary approach adopted in Europe by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). We propose that this new target, FECO, can be used to scale fishing mortality down when the ecosystem conditions for the stock are poor and up when conditions are good. This approach provides a streamlined quantitative way of incorporating ecosystem information into catch advice and provides an opportunity to operationalize ecosystem models and empirical indicators, while retaining the integrity of current assessment models and the FMSY-based advice process