Marine Science Faculty Publications
Evaluating Marine Ecosystem Restoration Goals for Northern British Columbia
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.4027/famdis.2005.24
Abstract
Using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) framework, we employ historical models of northern British Columbia marine ecosystems corresponding roughly to the years 1750, 1900, 1950, and 2000 to assess them as possible restoration goals. We use a policy optimization routine to identify fishing patterns that maximize economic, social, and ecological benefi ts from the restored historic systems. The ecosystem models are subjected to simulated harvest under optimal fishing plans, and the most beneficial scenarios are identified through various economic, social, and ecological indices. Knowing what a restored system may be worth to stakeholders could help us to justify the costs of whole ecosystem restoration. The 1750 ecosystem emerges as the most desirable restoration goal, owing to its large biomass of valuable target species. It is able to deliver the greatest sustainable benefits in terms of fisheries rent and employment, while sacrificing less biodiversity per dollar harvested. The 1900 period is slightly less attractive in all regards. The 2000 system offers superior benefits to 1950 in terms of potential rent and jobs, though not biodiversity. Ecosystem models have data deficiencies, and parameter uncertainty can compromise optimal harvest predictions. The problem is amplified when we reach into the past, where data for even the most visible species may come from anecdotal accounts. EwE provides a capacity to deal with data uncertainty; here we test ecosystem effects of our optimal harvest policies given unsure initial biomass estimates. Poor quality input data and/or heavy exploitation rates lead to large variations in the predicted structure of the ecosystem following optimal harvests.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Evaluating Marine Ecosystem Restoration Goals for Northern British Columbia, in G. H. Kruse, V. F. Gallucci, D. E. Hay, R. I. Perry, R. M. Peterman, T. C. Shirley, P.D. Spencer, B. Wilson & D. Woodby (Eds.), Fisheries Assessment and Management in Data-Limited Situations, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, p. 419-438
Scholar Commons Citation
Ainsworth, Cameron H. and Pitcher, Tony J., "Evaluating Marine Ecosystem Restoration Goals for Northern British Columbia" (2005). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 1816.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/1816
