Interaction and integration of observation and models – the EcoFish approach

2007

This report is not to be quoted without prior consultation with the General Secretary.

Ecosystem approach to fisheries management demand new scientific approaches and

tools. The EcoFish project is a recently established project that pursues the challenges

set by the new approach. It aims at supporting adequate advice by 1) improving the

data basis in general, 2) by creating a model complex that can assist traditional

assessment tools, e.g. in developing indicators or analysing ecosystem based trigger

points for harvest control rules and 3) develop supplementary tools for spatial

management. The EcoFish concept therefore challenges new technologies with

respect to producing high quality, relevant data that enable modelling of stock

properties of exploited fish stocks with adequate geographical and seasonal resolution

for evaluation purposes. Models will for example be used to predict distribution of

target stock that can be applied for designing an improved sampling regime of the

scientific surveys. In this paper we describe the some of the main principles of the

EcoFish concept and illustrate our approach though examples that demonstrate some

of the key features of the project.

Key words: ecosystem approach, modelling, observation schemes

ICES

ICES CM documents;2007/R:14