Charting the Progress on Ecosystem-Based Management of Fisheries in NAFO Division 4X: Integrated Fisheries Management Plans through the Lens of the Maritimes Region EBM Framework

Abstract

Given the decline of key commercial stocks over the last few decades and significant changes to the overall structure and function of the marine ecosystem, it is time to adopt an ecosystem-based approach that considers ecological, economic, social/cultural, and governance objectives into management decisions, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of fisheries. These considerations are reflected in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Framework. The EBM Framework offers an integrated management and decision-making support tool for all sectors of DFO Maritimes Region to apply an EBM approach to decisions related to fisheries, oceans, estuarine, and freshwater management. This paper examined to what degree the Maritimes Region EBM Framework objectives are reflected in the language used in nine Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMPs) for NAFO Division 4X (Western Scotian shelf and the Bay of Fundy). Examining current IFMPs through the lens of the Maritimes EBM Framework will contribute to the understanding of how well fisheries in NAFO Div. 4X are currently adopting an ecosystem-based approach and explore how a broader suite of objectives can contribute to more successful management. The results showed that language used in the IFMPs varied considerably, but all IFMPs demonstrated some use of language that aligned with the objectives of the EBM framework. The IFMPs language strongly reflected the Ecological objectives and aligned weakest with the Social/Cultural objectives. It is recommended that IFMPs adopt EBM objectives that reflect preserving population structure and genetic diversity, address economic opportunities for industry and communities, economic equity, fostering social and cultural health and well-being, addressing climate change, and improving governance through inclusivity and diverse knowledge. Adopting these recommendations will contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, aligning more closely with the comprehensive objectives of the EBM Framework.