Future Ocean Observations to Connect Climate, Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

Jörn O Schmidt,Steven J Bograd,Steven J Barbeaux,Paulo Antônio Zawislak,Juan José Cárdenas,Stephanie Brodie,Matthew B Sullivan,Sven Kupschus,Johannes Karstensen,Scott Cross,Patricia Miloslavich,Tim Boyer,Agneta Fransson,John A Barth,Haritz Arrizabalaga,Jean-Noël Druon,Sabrina Speich,Elliott L Hazen,Amber I Szoboszlai ,Douglas W.r Wallace ,Kylie L Scales ,Lauro Saint Pastous Madureira ,Alistair J Hobday ,Jon López ,Michael G Jacox ,Catarina Santos ,Stephani G Zador ,Jason R Hartog ,José Eduardo Martinelli Filho ,José Luiz Lima De Azevedo ,Désirée Tommasi

doi:10.3389/fmars.2019.00550

Abstract

Advances in ocean observing technologies and modeling provide the capacity to revolutionize the management of living marine resources. While traditional fisheries management approaches like single-species stock assessments are still common, a global effort is underway to adopt ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approaches. These consider changes in the physical environment and interactions between ecosystem elements, including human uses, holistically. For example, integrated ecosystem assessments aim to synthesize a suite of observations (physical, biological, socioeconomic) and modeling platforms (ocean circulation models, ecological models, short-term forecasts, management strategy evaluations) to assess the current status and recent and future trends of ecosystem components. This information provides guidance for better management strategies. A common thread in EBFM approaches is the need for high-quality observations of ocean conditions, at scales that resolve critical physical-biological processes and are timely for management needs. Here we explore options for a future observing system that meets the needs of EBFM by i) identifying observing needs for different user groups, ii) reviewing relevant datasets and existing technologies, iii) showcasing regional case studies, and iv) recommending observational approaches required to implement EBFM. We recommend linking ocean observing within the context of GOOS and other regional ocean observing efforts with fisheries observations, new forecasting methods, and capacity development, in a comprehensive ocean observing framework.

Highlights

Fisheries advice and fisheries management have a long history of requiring ocean observing
We propose that a major focus in defining Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) in support of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) is to identify the needs of fisheries management and to evaluate existing data and link to other ocean observations to obtain a global understanding of fish abundance and distribution in the ecosystem context
Topics included: current status in observing climate, ocean, eco- and human system related processes and variables; integration across systems; climate, ocean, socioeconomic objectives and major societal needs that should be addressed; improvements and adaptations to monitoring systems and models to achieve these goals; and identification of the major obstacles and stepping-stones. Building on these meetings and other experiences we summarize the current status, key gaps, and future needs related to building the observational capacity to effectively monitor and manage the world’s marine ecosystems and fisheries

Summary

Introduction

Fisheries advice and fisheries management have a long history of requiring ocean observing. The major challenge of incorporating climate (the longterm mean ambient physical and chemical conditions) data into ecosystem study, including modeling and monitoring, is to get measurements from their source to the user in a useful and easy way.

Results

Conclusion