Objectives & scope

Fisheries are deeply imbedded within ecosystems, which are now rightly viewed as an integrative level for fisheries management. The effects of fishing on marine ecosystems have been widely recognized, as has the need to move toward an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF). Such an evolution is being sought by society for all exploited natural resources. Fisheries are no exception. 

To meet this new challenge, we need a strategy that will elaborate operational frameworks. This will require the development of quantitative indicators at the ecosystem level, and the definition of innovative reference points to provide bridges between scientific results, society’s needs, and an effective EAF.

The SCOR/IOC Symposium is planned to support scientific aspects of using indicators for an EAF, and aims to review existing indicators as well as to develop new indicators reflecting the exploitation and state of marine ecosystems. The Symposium is also aimed at evaluating the utility of indicators relative to specific objectives. A session on the Symposium’s last day will be devoted to summarizing the major themes and conclusions of the Symposium.