Marine Ecosystem-Based Management

The MEBM Tool Innovation Fund ascribes to the definition of Ecosystem-Based Management as proposed by NatureServe and the Ecosystem-Based Management Tools Network as it pertains to the marine environment.  (http://www.ebmtools.org/about_ebm.html)

Ecosystem-Based Management is a management approach that:

• Integrates ecological, social, and economic goals and recognizes humans as key components of the ecosystem.

• Considers ecological- not just political- boundaries.

• Addresses the complexity of natural processes and social systems and uses an adaptive management approach in the face of resulting uncertainties.

• Engages multiple stakeholders in a collaborative process to define problems and find solutions.

• Incorporates understanding of ecosystem processes and how ecosystems respond to environmental perturbations.

• Is concerned with the ecological integrity of coastal-marine systems and the sustainability of both human and ecological systems.