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ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTHERN BENGUELA: A WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Abstract
A workshop was held in Cape Town in December 2002 to introduce the concept of an ecosystem approach to
fisheries (EAF) management in the southern Benguela, and to examine the options for implementing an EAF in
South Africa. The workshop considered alternative modelling approaches that may have potential for an ecosystem
approach to fisheries. Consensus was that an EAF should be implemented in South Africa through an incremental
process, starting immediately. Ecosystem models can be used to provide guidance on reference points and
broader management objectives still currently set on the basis of single-species assessments. Such additional information
would be incorporated into the decision-making process, and comments received at a management
level would also feed back to the modelling process. It was suggested that, at the scientific level, an ecosystem
modelling perspective could be incorporated into existing single-species management recommendations by testing
them with ecosystem models. Compilation of an “ecosystem considerations” document was recommended to
initiate the process. It was proposed that a dedicated EAF working group be established in South Africa to advise
on the process of implementing an EAF in the various fisheries, and to provide overarching guidance and to ensure
consistency in integrating existing data and information for informing the management process.
fisheries (EAF) management in the southern Benguela, and to examine the options for implementing an EAF in
South Africa. The workshop considered alternative modelling approaches that may have potential for an ecosystem
approach to fisheries. Consensus was that an EAF should be implemented in South Africa through an incremental
process, starting immediately. Ecosystem models can be used to provide guidance on reference points and
broader management objectives still currently set on the basis of single-species assessments. Such additional information
would be incorporated into the decision-making process, and comments received at a management
level would also feed back to the modelling process. It was suggested that, at the scientific level, an ecosystem
modelling perspective could be incorporated into existing single-species management recommendations by testing
them with ecosystem models. Compilation of an “ecosystem considerations” document was recommended to
initiate the process. It was proposed that a dedicated EAF working group be established in South Africa to advise
on the process of implementing an EAF in the various fisheries, and to provide overarching guidance and to ensure
consistency in integrating existing data and information for informing the management process.
