why-esp.RmdThe development and implementation of Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) is one of NOAA’s operating priorities.
Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) seeks to improve understanding and management of fisheries through incorporating natural, social, and economic data into fisheries analyses and management plans. Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Profiles (ESPs) are a structured framework to facilitate the inclusion of ecosystem and socioeconomic data in the stock advice process. Generally, ESPs consist of three components: 1. Stock metrics: information about the stock 2. Ecosystem and socioeconomic indicators: relevant information about the ecosystem and human dimensions 3. Analysis: Correlation and other modeling of relationships between stock metrics and ecosystem and socioeconomic indicators; summaries of current conditions and determination as to qualitative “favorability” for the stock. Within this general framework, ESPs have a flexible structure that allows for both quantitative and qualitative data and a variety of tailored analyses depending on the stock details. This flexibility makes ESPs a practicable method for implementing Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management in the Northeast.
The State of the Ecosystem (SOE) reports have been positively received by both the Northeast and Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Councils. However, the SOEs are general reports and do not easily translate into management advice for most stocks.