The key elements of ecosystem-based management : theory vs. fishermen's priorities

Abstract

The large number and variation of principles that define EBM has created confusion, impeding its application. A frequency analysis of EBM principles was conducted from a variety of published sources, across various disciplines and application mediums to identify the Key Elements that currently define EBM.

This slow onset of EBM may be a result of the lack of fishermen support at the ground level. Face to Face surveys were conducted with twenty-three local fishermen in the soft-shell clam, lobster and groundfish fisheries in southwest Nova Scotia and southwest New Brunswick in the Bay of Fundy, to assess whether industry priorities within EBM principles are aligned with those published in theoretical literature and to identify what issues are standing in the way of EBM application. Connections were made between the key issues that are driving these priorities to provide insight on how EBM can be more readily applied on the ground.