___________________________________________________________________________

2009/FWG/WKSP/003

The Conceptual Basis for Ecosystem-Based

Approaches to Oceans Management

Submitted by: Australia

Workshop on Implementing Ecosystem Approaches to Fisheries in the Context of the

Broader Marine EnvironmentVancouver, Canada

28-29 May 2009

1

Angela Williamson

Marine DivisionDepartment of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Australian Government

The Conceptual Basis for Ecosystem-Based Approaches to

Oceans Management

EBM – EBFM Link ?

What is their relationship ?

EBM overarching goal

EFBM common entry point- typically well studied,

- better understood- fisheries a priority objective

Achieving EBFM does not equate to EBM

2

Why Ecosystem Based Management ?

Often talked about but nebulous concept

Range of definitions exist

EBM is not IOM

Theoretical approach representing a shift fromsingle species management more holistic perspective

EBM seeks to…

Consider and manage all interactions andlinkages within the ecosystem

Maintain structure and function

Recognise humans and ecosystems are interdependent

Consider ecological, social and cultural objectives

3

In Australia…

Acknowledges the critical role of EBM in marine conservation and resource management

Progressive incorporation of EBM in Australian marine management over the last decade

LegislationPolicyManagementResearchInstitutional

A new approach to EBM and IOM

Lends a strong ecosystem focus to legislative processes and conservation initiatives

Marine Bioregional Planning(MBP)

Important ecological, economic and social values

4

MBP Provides…

Objectives for conservation of biodiversity and other values

Knowledge of systems and biodiversity

Priorities, strategies and actions to achieve objectives

Monitoring and review of plan.

Marine Protected Areas

Key strategy for protection of Australia’s marine biodiversity

National representative system of marine protected areas in Australia’s marine jurisdiction by 2012

88 million hectares or 10% of Australia’s marine jurisdiction

CAR

5

All provincial bioregions

All depth ranges

All benthic biological features

All seafloor features

Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative

6

Considered a gold standard for EBMWhy?

Equal attention to both the human activities and natural systemsStrong links with terrestrial systems e.g. Reef Watch

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

GBRMPA also addressing concept raised by Arkema et al.2006 in ‘Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment provides a useful framework to address the complexities of EBM “an integrated approach to managing an ecosystem and matters affecting that ecosystem, with the main object being to maintainecological processes, biodiversity and functioning biological communities.”

Among several actions to achieve its objects, the GBRMP Act:o “ …regulates, including by a system of permissions, use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in ways consistent with ecosystem based management and the principles of ecologically sustainable use.”

7

Spatial management is critical to achieving EBM

Cannot deliver EBM alone

Threats beyond spatial management boundaries must also be managed effectively through sectoral measures and IOM

MPAs should be viewed as part of a complementary suite of management strategies

A cautionary note ….

Australian EBFM

EBFM has been formally adopted at a national level

Implementation at varying stages

Legislation, policy and trade approval are the key mechanisms used to underpin EBFM in Australia:

Strategic fisheries assessments under environmental legislationCommonwealth (National) Harvest Strategy PolicyCommonwealth (National) Policy on Fisheries Bycatch, andEcological Risk Management Framework

Ecological Risk Assessments

8

Supporting EBFM, are tools used to limit catch to levels that are in line with sustaining biomass at maximum sustainable and economic yields. These include:

Quota systemsTotal allowable catch limits, andSpatial management measures e.g MPAs & Fisheries Closures

Many threats operate at scales broader than the boundaries managers work within e.g. marine debris, marine invasivesand migratory species conservation

To achieve EBM these issues must be addressed through transboundary cooperation

Australia pursues transboundary cooperation through international, regional and bilateral relationships

Collaboration & Cooperation

Image from NOAA

9

Coral Triangle Initiative

Builds strong political will and momentum to address range of present and emerging marine threats on a regional scale

CTI Regional Plan of Action actively encourages EBM approach

Thinking on a ‘Seascapes’ level

MPA development

Transboundary management of migratory species e.g. Sea Turtles

Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

Often cited as one of the best examples of EBM

Precautionary approach

Manages ecological linkages

Small scale interactions still not adequately being managed e.g. krill, predator, fishers

Small scale management units are being developed to address this issue

10

A comprehensive understanding of a system is needed to achieve true EBM

Talk about technologies

11

Take home messages

Implementing EBM is an incremental process

Small scale linkages or processes can be as critical to healthy ecosystem function as ocean basin processes

Acknowledgements