May 9, 2014 — A group of scientists is to work to create a practical ‘blueprint’ that managers can use to make ecosystem-based fisheries management operational.
These scientists form part of the Fishery Ecosystem Task Force, introduced by the Lenfest Ocean Program and the University of Washington.
“Scientists have long recognized and supported the idea that fisheries management should consider the relationships of the larger marine environment, but there hasn’t been a clear path to implementation,” pointed out Tim Essington, a marine ecologist at the University of Washington and chair of the new task force.
And he added: “It’s not as simple as managing one fish at time. If we want to continue catching, cooking, and eating fish, we need to maintain the health of the entire system.”
Led by Essington, professor in the School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, the task force will bring together natural and social scientists from diverse locations on every coast.