Conceptual models for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) in Western Australia

Abstract

The Department of Fisheries, Western Australia is currently developing a framework to assess the most appropriate methodologies for the implementation of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) in Western Australia. The implementation of EBFM can be considered as an operational extension of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), the principles of which were adopted by Western Australia for application in the management of fisheries in 2002. EBFM aims to assess and manage ecological impacts as well as social and economic outcomes related to fish and fisheries at a regional level. The degree to which EBFM will be implemented in terms of activities or processes, additional to those fishery management processes currently in place for the Department, has yet to be ascertained. This report forms part of a project designed to address the question as to what benefits EBFM could generate if applied in Western Australia.