Title: A Difference in Perspective: A Comparison of Ecosystem and Single-Species Focused Fisheries Management
Abstract: Currently, most fisheries management bodies utilize a narrow, single-species focus in decision-making processes. These methodologies, however, fail to recognize the interrelated nature of ecosystems, and as such are unable to produce realistic and valid estimates of sustainable yield. One proposed method of integrating ecosystem data into the decision-making process of fisheries management involves quantifying ecosystem diversity. This study evaluates historical fisheries management success in terms of changes in biological diversity and evaluates the potential use of length and species diversity measurements to aid managers in understanding fishery-induced community changes. To evaluate these relationships, a comparison of ecological and management outcomes of the Georges Bank and Eastern Bering Sea groundfish fisheries was performed. These ecosystems were selected due to the strong importance groundfish fisheries play in both regions. Fisheries on Georges Bank are generally considered to be among the world’s most poorly managed and are considered to be in a state of severe decline. In contrast, Alaskan fisheries are generally considered to be among the most successfully managed in the world.