An Ecosystem Approach

Foto: Husmo-foto

One important outcome of the IMM 97 is the agreement on the development and application of an ecosystem approach in the management and protection of the North Sea. The development of an ecosystem approach focuses on the critical ecological processes, the ecosystem interactions and the chemical, physical and biological environment. The ecosystem approach has been further elaborated in a workshop in 1998 and will include:

Management of human activities in an integrated manner
Formulation of clear objectives, both general and operational
Better use of existing scientific knowledge
Focused research on the North Sea ecosystems, including climatic, biological and human driving forces of ecosystem variability
Improved, integrated monitoring
Integrated assessments prepared by experts on North Sea fish stocks, the environment and socio-economics
Involvement of stakeholders, scientists, managers and politicians at different stages of the decision-making process.