Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Road Map

Ecosystem-based fisheries management is a systematic approach to fisheries management in a geographically specific area that:

• Contributes to the resilience and sustainability of the ecosystem
• Recognizes the physical, biological, economic, and social interactions among the affected fishery-related components of the ecosystem, including humans
• Seeks to optimize benefits among a diverse set of societal goals

This road map clarifies links between EBFM and other initiatives, including climate ready fisheries, and improves connections between science and management. It also better integrates habitat, protected resources, and social-economic sciences. 

Roadmap History

We first introduced the road map in 2016. In partnership with other science and management entities and the public, we have made significant progress in advancing EBFM. Like other NOAA Fisheries policy directives, the EBFM road map is subject to periodic review. Our progress made since 2016 has necessitated this update. For example, since 2016, we have:

• Developed ecosystem status reports or state of the ecosystem reports for most regions
• Completed climate vulnerability assessments in all regions
• Improved or added new fishery ecosystem plans for most regions
• Completed climate scenario planning for multiple protected resources and at multiple councils
• Developed and advanced the use of ecosystem models, risk assessments, and risk tables to inform management
• Increased discussion and consideration of ecosystem and climate issues within management decisions