What is an ecosystem approach to fisheries?
Ecosystem-based fisheries management makes ecological sustainability the primary goal of management and recognises the dependence of human well-being on ecological health. The ecosystem approach to fisheries therefore takes account of the interactions of fishing with the ecosystem and is best achieved through an integrated management approach involving all stakeholders. Stakeholders need to collectively set a vision for the marine environment that meets their needs equitably, but also recognises the ecological constraints of the system. In a study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it was recognized that ecosystem-based management requires a hierarchical approach that is based on five basic principles (outlined in Table 1). Nested under these principles are the key elements and the operational components of the system. From this framework specific objectives, enabling processes and performance indicators are developed that meet the needs of the key elements. Examples of enabling process
