Published By National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
Issued about 9 years ago
Summary
Description
Ecological indicators can facilitate Ecosystem-based Management, but only if targets for indicators exist. Because targets are an expression of the desired state of the ecosystem, establishing targets must include ecological understanding and societal values. This project will develop a unique approach for identifying scientifically rigorous ecosystem targets that explicitly consider social perspectives. Focusing on the PSP species and food web goal, we will: 1) Identify a set of critical ecosystem attributes, and use a food web model to examine changes to these attributes as a result of simulated changes of nearshore habitat and water quality; and, 2) Conduct social norm analyses in which stakeholders are asked to rate the desirability of a range of potential ecosystem conditions. By completing each of these tasks, we will uniquely blend ecological and social science to inform the creation of scientifically rigorous and socially responsive management targets. Sociology data