MAKING ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT A REALITY: THE PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL AND THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT

Implementing ecosystem-based management requires both scientific assessments of ecosystem interactions and policy analysis of the interactions between the laws that manage the ecosystem and its resources. The California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) process brings together scientists from a host of disciplines to assess the interactions and status of the California Current Ecosystem. However, the generation of scientific information does not automatically lead to management action. U.S. fisheries law facilitates and allows ecosystem-based management but does not require it, a situation that can either encourage creativity or stifle action. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) is engaged in an ecosystem-based fishery management process to better understand the California Current Ecosystem and how ocean resource management processes and priorities interact to affect the ecosystem. For the California Current IEA to support movement toward ecosystem-based management, it must better account for how our laws affect natural resources and drive management processes.