The use of ecosystem characteristics in fisheries management

Abstract

Application of the concept of ecosystems to fisheries management would provide managers with a useful conceptual framework within which they may (1) absorb specific scientific advice, (2) anticipate probable resource responses to fishing perturbations, (3) anticipate species interactions, and (4) anticipate the effects of management measures. Ecosystems in general encompass three major components: (1) species life history strategies, (2) the evolution of communities, and (3) hierarchic, rate‐regulating structures. The interrelation of these components and apparent examples in fisheries ecosystems are reviewed. Most fisheries experience a reversal of the natural evolution of ecosystems dynamics, that is, fishing induces greater frequency and amplitude of variations of specific components of the system. An understanding by managers of the functions and interrelations of the basic components of systems clarifies the reasons for the typical response of fisheries ecosystems to the fishing effort. The implications of ecosystems characteristics for fisheries managers are also briefly considered.