“EBFM: From paradigm to practice” – a Sciaena webinar series on how to make EBFM a reality

In October 2024, Sciaena organized a series of webinars on how to operationalize Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM). The webinar series “EBFM: From paradigm to practice” aimed at showcasing existing efforts to develop the scientific basis for EBFM, while advocating for policymakers to provide clear direction to scientists by asking the right questions, following the establishment of clear policy objectives.

There is growing momentum for a shift in fisheries management, calling for a more holistic approach that recognizes each fish species as part of a complex ecological system, rather than solely focusing on maximizing the catch of individual species. However, to address this call for action there is a need to bridge the gap between science and decision making. To support this effort, Sciaena invited four science and policy experts to present on examples and tools to make EBFM a reality and better support the role of decision makers in asking for scientific advice on this complex topic.

Marie-Julie Roux, who joined us on the 16th of October, a Canadian researcher from the Maurice-Lamontagne Institute of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) that presented the Framework for Ecosystem-Informed Science and Advice (commonly referred to as FEISA), said “FEISA is feasible and it is a matter of prioritization. This is a very incremental and iterative process”

Watch Marie-Julie’s webinar here.

Jessica Tengval, the second speaker of this webinar cycle that took place on the 17th of October, a Norwegian researcher, commented on the positive developments in Norway regarding the integration of ecosystem scenarios. Although Jessica recognizes that this is a step by step process, she also reiterated that with the variety of existing examples, this should not be an excuse to not implement EBFM.

Watch Jessica’s webinar here.

Our third speaker, on the 22nd of October was Dr. Jacob Bentley, the principal specialist for marine ecosystem modeling at Natural England. Dr. Jacob provided an optimistic outlook on the implementation of EBFM in an incremental way by reminding the audience that “we don’t need to do everything, everywhere, all at once”. Jacob also highlighted a couple of tools such as the use of ecological reference points (ERPs) and the inclusion of ecosystem-informed science in Management Strategy Evaluations (MSEs).

You can find Jacob’s webinar here.

Daniel Steadman, from the Pew Charitable Trusts, our fourth and final speaker wrapped up the series by calling on decision makers to “set clear and measurable ecological objectives, and define an implementation plan on how to achieve them” in the run up for a month where member states will once again reconvene for the annual meetings of RFMOs such as ICCAT and NEAFC.

Watch Daniel’s presentation here.

Overall, all speakers conveyed a common message to decision makers “EBFM’s complexity should not, and cannot, be an excuse to not move forward”. Both scientists and NGOs agreed that the implementation of EBFM should be incremental and iterative, to achieve sustainable and resilient fishing stocks. To do so, the several speakers highlighted several examples of fisheries where ecosystem considerations are already being taken into account.