Defining ecological targets for ecosystem-based resource management

Ronald L. Hill¹, Richard S. Appeldoorn², and Jim Beets³

^1. NOAA/NMFS/Southeast Fisheries Science Center,
4700 Avenue U; Galveston, TX USA 77551

^2. University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Dept. of Marine Sciences
P.O. Box 908; Lajas, PR USA 00667

^3. University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720-4091

 ABSTRACT 

Tropical coral reef fisheries are ideally suited for ecosystem-based resource management because of the intricate linkages among species, trophic levels, and habitats.  Models that realistically represent these relationships can be used to quantify ecological differences between systems that differ structurally.  Differences may be caused by a variety of natural or anthropogenic causes, including fishing or habitat degradation.  In this study, we evaluate ecosystem-based management concepts using ecologically based modeling. Paired Ecopath with Ecosim models have been constructed to compare ecological relationships between fished (impacted) and non-fished coral reef ecosystem. Simulations suggest that ecological targets can be defined based on conditions in the marine reserves and applied to the fished ecosystem. The model predictions may guide sustainable resource use and support ecosystem resilience.  Model predictions serve as testable hypotheses.

• Powerpoint presentation available upon request from Dr. Ron Hill