I think so!

The ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) is a concept that not only entails rethinking of fisheries management from single species assessment and management approaches to those taking into account interactions between species and thus looking at the entire ecosystem. The original notion promoted by FAO entails also to integrate broader concerns. In a simplified way, it should cover the following five key criteria:

• maintain ecosystem integrity (no fish is an island)
• precautionary approach to fisheries and other use of marine and coastal ecosystems and respecting the rules
• broad stakeholder participation
• promoting sectoral integration and safeguarding livelihoods
• investing in research and knowledge

The term 'ecosystem-based fisheries management' is understood by some governments in a narrower was as focused almost exclusively on environmental matters. However, both terms are sometimes used as synonyms.

Hope that helps.

Hi Kristen,

EAF can be thought of as an offshoot of EBM (Ecosystem Based management). I am attaching a number of papers that should place these concept in the right frame for you. Enjoy and happy reading.

Cheers,

Tom

Kristen, I am attaching a few more papers on EAF and EBM that I that I think you'll find interesting (just in case you don't have them).

Tom