Sustaining Ocean Wealth: Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Training Course

Introduction

Traditional fisheries management often focuses on individual fish stocks, overlooking the complex interactions within the broader marine ecosystem and the crucial role of human communities. This narrow approach has, in many cases, contributed to overfishing, habitat degradation, and social conflicts. Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) represents a paradigm shift, recognizing that healthy fish populations are inextricably linked to healthy ecosystems and sustainable human livelihoods. It provides a holistic framework that integrates ecological, social, and economic considerations to achieve long-term sustainability.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of EBFM principles and their effective implementation. From exploring ecosystem dynamics and assessing human impacts to mastering stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and adaptive management strategies, you will gain the expertise to transition towards more integrated and resilient fisheries management. This empowers you to balance resource utilization with conservation, promote equitable benefits, and contribute to the enduring health and productivity of our invaluable marine resources.

Target Audience

  • Fisheries Managers and Policy Makers.
  • Marine Biologists and Ecologists.
  • Fisheries Scientists and Researchers.
  • Conservation Practitioners and NGO Staff.
  • Coastal Community Leaders and Representatives.
  • Government Officials in Fisheries and Environmental Agencies.
  • Data Analysts and GIS Specialists in Fisheries.
  • Students and Academics in Fisheries Science or Marine Policy.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles and rationale behind Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM).
  • Grasp the interconnectedness of physical, biological, economic, and social components within marine ecosystems relevant to fisheries.
  • Analyze the impacts of fishing and other human activities on the broader marine environment and non-target species.
  • Comprehend various assessment tools and methodologies used in EBFM, including ecosystem indicators and models.
  • Evaluate the role of governance, stakeholder participation, and traditional ecological knowledge in EBFM implementation.
  • Develop practical skills in designing and evaluating EBFM plans, considering trade-offs and uncertainties.
  • Navigate the challenges associated with data collection, analysis, and communication in an EBFM context.
  • Formulate robust strategies for transitioning from single-species to ecosystem-based approaches in fisheries management.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM)
  • Defining EBFM : holistic approach, balancing ecological integrity with human well-being
  • Evolution of Fisheries Management : from single-species to ecosystem-based approaches
  • Key Principles of EBFM : ecological integrity, human well-being, good governance, adaptability
  • Benefits of EBFM : improved sustainability, resilience, reduced conflicts, enhanced ecosystem services
  • Global and regional examples of EBFM initiatives
  1. Understanding Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Ecological Concepts : trophic levels, food webs, species interactions (predation, competition, symbiosis)
  • Habitat Connectivity and Importance : critical habitats (spawning grounds, nurseries, feeding areas), their role in fish life cycles
  • Oceanographic Influences : currents, temperature, salinity, upwelling, their impact on fish distribution and productivity
  • Resilience and Vulnerability of Marine Ecosystems : how ecosystems respond to disturbances
  • Introduction to marine ecosystem services
  1. Assessing Impacts of Fisheries and Other Human Activities
  • Direct Impacts of Fishing : target species depletion, bycatch, ghost fishing
  • Indirect Impacts of Fishing : trophic cascades, habitat damage (e.g., bottom trawling), genetic changes in fish stocks
  • Cumulative Impacts : combined effects of fishing, pollution, climate change, coastal development
  • Non-Fisheries Impacts : marine pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, shipping, energy development
  • Methodologies for assessing ecosystem status and health
  1. EBFM Frameworks and Planning
  • Elements of an EBFM Plan : objectives, indicators, reference points, management measures
  • Risk Assessment in EBFM : identifying and prioritizing ecological and human risks
  • Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) : simulating outcomes of different management options
  • Adaptive Management : learning by doing, adjusting management based on monitoring results
  • Participatory planning processes for EBFM
  1. Data and Information for EBFM
  • Types of Data Needed : biological, ecological, socio-economic, oceanographic, traditional knowledge
  • Data Collection Methods : fisheries-dependent (catch, effort), fisheries-independent (surveys), remote sensing, citizen science
  • Ecosystem Indicators : selection and use of indicators for monitoring ecosystem health and fishing impacts
  • Integrated Ecosystem Assessments (IEA) : combining diverse data for a holistic view
  • Data management, quality control, and sharing protocols for EBFM
  1. Tools and Approaches for EBFM Implementation
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) : role in EBFM, design, management, and network effects
  • Gear Modifications : reducing bycatch and habitat impacts (e.g., TEDs, BRDs)
  • Spatial and Temporal Closures : protecting spawning aggregations, nursery areas
  • Quota Management and Effort Control : within an ecosystem context
  • Rights-Based Management : ITQs, TURFs, their implications for EBFM
  1. Socio-Economic Dimensions of EBFM
  • Importance of Human Well-being : livelihoods, food security, cultural values of fishing communities
  • Socio-Economic Data Collection : surveys, interviews, participatory rural appraisal (PRA)
  • Analyzing Trade-offs : balancing ecological conservation with economic and social needs
  • Co-management and Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) : involving local communities in decision-making
  • Gender considerations in fisheries and EBFM
  1. Governance and Policy for EBFM
  • Legal and Policy Frameworks : national fisheries acts, environmental laws, international conventions (e.g., UNCLOS, CBD)
  • Institutional Arrangements : roles and responsibilities of government agencies, research institutions, industry, NGOs
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Conflict Resolution : facilitating dialogue, building consensus
  • Compliance and Enforcement : monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) in an EBFM context
  • Capacity building for EBFM governance
  1. Ecosystem Modeling for Fisheries Management
  • Introduction to Ecosystem Models : conceptual, qualitative, quantitative models
  • Food Web Models : Ecopath, Ecosim, Ecospace for understanding trophic interactions
  • Population Dynamics Models : single-species vs. multi-species models
  • Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) Models : testing robustness of management procedures
  • Interpreting model outputs and uncertainties for decision-making
  1. Case Studies and Future Directions
  • Successful EBFM Implementations : examples from different regions and fisheries
  • Challenges and Lessons Learned : common pitfalls and how to overcome them
  • Climate Change and EBFM : adapting fisheries management to a changing ocean
  • Emerging Technologies : AI, big data, remote sensing in supporting EBFM
  • Integrating EBFM into the Blue Economy : sustainable development of marine resources
  • Developing a strategic roadmap for EBFM implementation in a specific context.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 

 sustaining Ocean Wealth: Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Training Course in Seychelles
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