Perceptions of ecosystem-based management: Tales from the Great Lakes

Session: Ecosystem-Based Management: Challenges and Opportunities on the Great Lakes Coasts

Amie West, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, awest@umces.edu
Michael Roman, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, mroman@umces.edu
Felix Martinez, NOAA/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, felix.martinez@noaa.gov
William Dennison, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, dennison@umces.edu
Thomas Miller, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, miller@umces.edu
Fredrika Moser, Maryland SeaGrant, moser@mdsg.umd.edu
Kenneth Rose, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, krose@umces.edu
Lisa Wainger, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, lwainger@umces.edu

Abstract

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is an interdisciplinary approach to environmental management that considers the multitude of interconnected processes and the environmental, social, and economic trade-offs associated with actionable goals for restoration and protection of healthy, productive, and resilient ecosystems. The Great Lakes have unique ecosystem challenges and management complexities that need to be considered when planning and implementing EBM. We reached out to scientists, resource managers, environmental advocates, and policy makers with an online survey to better understand perceptions of EBM and to identify barriers and opportunities for better implementation in the Great Lakes. While there was disagreement in whether other management dynamics support or hinder EBM, a majority of respondents agreed in a need for advancement in biophysical and social science in the Great Lakes. We will discuss respondents’ perspectives on regional priorities, EBM implementation, and implications for future research directions.