A Geographic
Information System (GIS) is a key element in the development of
place-based ecosystem approaches
to fisheries management. In order to evaluate species interactions,
habitat associations, bycatch issues, and activities in non-fishing
sectors, fishery managers rely on tools that can handle these multiple
dimensions in a geographically
explicit framework. Furthermore, GIS software allows for visual
representation of important ecosystem attributes in map form, which
is necessary for effective public communication and decision-making.
Ecosystem
Pilot Projects have been implemented by the New England,
Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Councils
in conjunction with numerous state
and federal agencies as well as the public, fishing industry groups
and NGOs. As a component of these pilot projects, the EcoGIS project
brings NMFS, NOS, and the Councils together to build on existing
regional GIS capabilities and more fully develop GIS tools for
managing and researching marine fishery
ecosystems.
In its initial
pilot phase, the EcoGIS project focused
on priority fishery management and science issues in U.S. North
and South
Atlantic
waters. The project team developed prototype mapping and analysis tools, and researched the roles of GIS and geospatial data management in an ecosystem approach to management.
Please see our Milestone Report for the history of the project, a description of GIS tool development efforts, and recommendations for future work.
