Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Road Map Update
June 07, 2024
NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on the updated road map through July 31, 2024.
NOAA Fisheries has released for public comment an updated ecosystem-based fisheries management Road Map. It will guide us as we continue moving toward managing fisheries at the ecosystem level. Public comments will be accepted through July 31, 2024, via e-mail to nmfs.ebfm.roadmap@noaa.gov.
Ecosystem-based fisheries management is a systematic approach to fisheries management in a geographically specific area that:
- Contributes to the resilience and sustainability of the ecosystem
- Recognizes the physical, biological, economic, and social interactions among the affected fishery-related components of the ecosystem, including humans
- Seeks to optimize benefits among a diverse set of societal goals
Ecosystem-based fisheries management is an integrated, science-based approach that includes consideration of the entire ecosystem, including people. It aims to maintain ecosystems in a healthy, productive, and resilient condition so they can provide the services humans want and need. The proposed Road Map revisions aim to clarify links between EBFM and other initiatives, including climate ready fisheries, and improve connections between science and management. It also better integrates habitat, protected resources, and social-economic sciences.
We first introduced the EBFM Road Map in 2016. In partnership with other science and management entities and the public, we have made significant progress in advancing EBFM. Like other NOAA Fisheries policy directives, the EBFM Road Map is subject to periodic review. Our progress made since 2016 has necessitated this update. For example, since 2016, we have:
- Developed ecosystem status reports or state of the ecosystem reports for most regions
- Completed climate vulnerability assessments in all regions
- Improved or added new fishery ecosystem plans for most regions
- Completed climate scenario planning for multiple protected resources and at multiple councils
- Developed and advanced the use of ecosystem models, risk assessments, and risk tables to inform management
Increased discussion and consideration of ecosystem and climate issues within management decisions
Resources
- Draft updated EBFM Road Map (PDF, 58 pages)
- EBFM Policy (February 2024) (PDF 11 pages)
- A Retrospective Look at the First EBFM Road Map: Highlights, Struggles, and Hopeful Signs (NOAA Library Webinar)
Next Steps for NOAA Fisheries' Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Road Map (NOAA Library Webinar)