Identifying Thresholds for Ecosystem-Based Management

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008907
• Publication Date: 2010-01-25T23:13:46Z
• Authors: Jameal F. Samhouri; Phillip S. Levin; Cameron H. Ainsworth
• Keywords: Ecosystem-Based Management; Ecosystem Management; Marine ecosystem

One of the greatest obstacles to moving ecosystem-based management (EBM) from concept practice is lack a systematic approach defining ecosystem-level decision criteria, or reference points that trigger action.To assist resource managers and policymakers in developing EBM we introduce quantitative, transferable method for identifying utility thresholds. A threshold level human-induced pressure (e.g., pollution) at which small changes produce substantial improvements toward goal protecting an ecosystem's structural diversity) functional resilience) attributes. The analytical based on detection nonlinearities relationships between ecosystem attributes pressures. We illustrate with hypothetical case study (1) fishing (2) nearshore habitat using empirically-validated marine model British Columbia, Canada, derive numerical values terms density two empirically-tractable indicator groups, sablefish jellyfish. also describe how incorporate uncertainty into estimation thresholds highlight their value context understanding trade-offs.For any policy scenario, provides insight amount type intervention required make significant progress improved structure function. outlined this paper can be applied single multiple pressures, marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecosystem, should facilitate more effective management.