Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Poised to Safeguard Oceans and Livelihoods
Fishery management in the U.S. is shifting towards considering entire ecosystems, not just single species. The aim is to keep marine ecosystems robust and productive amidst environmental changes. To make this happen, scientists are using ecosystem science, models, and analysis to understand how different parts of the ecosystem interact. While it's challenging, integrating ecosystem analysis and models into fishery management can benefit policy decisions. Success stories show that using these tools can help set better priorities for managing marine resources. By incorporating ecosystem science into existing policy processes, researchers are paving the way for more holistic fisheries management in the U.S.