Project
The who, what, why and how of ecosystem approaches to fisheries management in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes fisheries face challenges from climate variation, invasive species, and land development, which have made traditional fisheries management methods, such as harvest control and fish stocking, less effective. Given these challenges, ecosystem-based approaches offer a more integrated and sustainable approach to helping agencies make resource management decisions, which in part explains the desire for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to seek them. However, key barriers exist to implementing these approaches to fisheries management in the Great Lakes. This science transfer initiative aims to help overcome these barriers by providing fishery managers with an understanding of the different types of ecosystem approaches to fishery management and how these approaches could be applied in the Great Lakes. The project will provide a diverse range of accessible resources, such as fact sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and videos, which will clearly explain these ecosystem approaches to management and their value. We will also hold workshops and focus groups to foster knowledge exchange and to refine and improve these products. Ultimately, this project seeks to support more sustainable fisheries and the ecological health of the Great Lakes.