Ecosystem approach to fisheries management in the southern Benguela:: A workshop overview

A workshop was held in Cape Town in December 2002 to introduce the concept of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) management in the southern Benguela, and to examine the options for implementing an EAF in South Africa. The workshop considered alternative modelling approaches that may have potential for an ecosystem approach to fisheries. Consensus was that an EAF should be implemented in South Africa through an incremental process, starting immediately. Ecosystem models can be used to provide guidance on reference points and broader management objectives still currently set on the basis of single-species assessments. Such additional information would be incorporated into the decision-making process, and comments received at a management level would also feed back to the modelling process. It was suggested that, at the scientific level, an ecosystem modelling perspective could be incorporated into existing single-species management recommendations by testing them with ecosystem models. Compilation of an "ecosystem considerations" document was recommended to initiate the process. It was proposed that a dedicated EAF working group be established in South Africa to advise on the process of implementing an EAF in the various fisheries, and to provide overarching guidance and to ensure consistency in integrating existing data and information for informing the management process.