Principal objective

This programme aims to develop a theoretical and operational basis for assessing key ecosystem dynamics and influences on the production of exploited fish stocks.

Programme summary

In accordance with international conventions it is the goal of Norwegian authorities to establish a management regime for marine resources and the marine environment that embraces the ecosystem approach. This goal represents a tremendous challenge for the evaluation of resources, especially since the international scientific community has not yet been able to define a common path towards these management goals. In fact there is some doubt as to whether this approach can achieve the desired aim.In this programme we will develop an alternative and integrated scientific approach to assess key ecosystem dynamics of importance to exploited fish stocks and demonstrate its application in operational assessment. This initiative is motivated by the fact that both knowledge and new technological solutions are under-utilized. A new approach to assessing marine ecosystems is important both to realise the potential of recent scientific advances and to replace current outmoded present approaches.This programme has a clear focus on building bridges that efficiently link model demands and observation capabilities. The development of the ecosystem assessment criteria will utilise the most recent theories related to recruitment, life history, trophic interaction and ecosystem indicators. To make the approach economically realistic, a new feed-back loop between model prediction and field-sampling strategies will be developed.

The programme is of strategic importance to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) as development of expertise and personnel within this field is critical for operational capabilities in future advice under the ecosystem approach.The programme will run over a four year period (2006-2009) and will combine expertise and knowledge across research groups both at IMR and other institutions, through participation by a combination of post docs and experienced scientists. Read more about the scientific background and motivation for the programme here.

Read more about the scientific background and motivation for the programme here.

WP 1 Programme management

Objectives

The programme leader has the responsibility to edit, collate and deliver the interim and final reports to the Norwegian Research Council (NRC), to keep all research activities at the highest standard possible and that all scientific deliverables/milestones are fulfilled. Quality assurance will be provided in detailed technical protocols.All results will be made available to the NRC.

WP 2 The Physical-Biological Framework

Objective

Develop knowledge and capacity for improved modelling methodology for understanding and quantifying the integrated processes, structures and fluctuations in the physics, lower trophic levels and fish stocks of our northern marine ecosystems. This includes definition of critical observational strategies needed for data-assimilation into the models.

WP 3 - Data Collection Regimes Reflecting the Demands of WP 2,4 and 5 

Objectives

Design a data collection regime that fills the demands of quantitative data from other WPs.

Evaluate and establish a set of platforms and sensors to be used to fulfil the data demand.

Establish a feedback loop sampling strategy to optimise available resources.

WP 4. Operational Indicators

Objective

Locate and examine state variables (indicators) to be used in ecosystem-based approaches. These indicators should be associated with precision and accuracy and range from simple to more complicated ones, i.e. based on traditional measurements to advanced outputs from model runs. Priority should be given to indicators that can be achieved quickly and at low cost and which include temporal and spatial information.

WP 5 Synthesis and Management Perspectives.

Objectives

Develop a framework for evaluating key observations for increasing the quality in advice at the present cost level regarding monitoring.

Evaluate the framework and compare with traditional approaches.

Sub-goals

a.   Develop an integrated system of models that describe the ecosystem function with focus on processes of importance for harvestable stocks

b.   Renew observation systems through utilization of modern technology to give access observations needed to monitor ecosystem system dynamics from sub-goal a.

c.   Develop analysis that establishes a set of ecosystem state variables by combining observation from sub-goal b. with fresh view of available knowledged.  

Improve realism in the proposed approach through      

1    Developing a rational use of indicators (state variables covering a wide range of properties of importance to ecosystem dynamics)     

2   Develop a feedback loop from the model runs in sub-goal a., that substantially improve efficiency of the sampling regime.

Project management

The programme is of strategic importance to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) as development of expertise and personnel within this field is critical for operational capabilities in future advice under the ecosystem approach.

The programme will run over a four year period (2006-2009) and will combine expertise and knowledge across research groups both within the IMR and other research institutions, through participation from a combination of post docs and experienced scientists.

Steering comittee

Leader:   Kjellrun Hiis Hauge

WP 1, Project Management:                                      Kjellrun Hiis Hauge

WP 2, The physical-Biological Framework:                   Einar Svendsen

WP 3, Strategies for Operational Sampling:                 Olav Rune Godø

WP 4, Operational Indicators:                                     Olav S. Kjesbu

WP 5, Synthesis and Management Perspectives:         Svein Iversen

 Administrative responible: research director Ole Arve Misund