An ecosystems approach to fisheries management (EAFM) considers ecological, human, economic, and governance dimensions and offers a greater chance of developing sustainable management plans. While support for EAFM exists globally, progress in implementing ecosystem-based plans has been slow due to a lack of experience among fisheries staff. The Essential EAFM training course was designed to develop the planning, analytical, and interpersonal skills needed for better fisheries management plans that account for complex local situations. The interactive course targets mid-level managers to develop understanding and hands-on experience applying EAFM to sustainably manage fisheries.

1. Essential EAFM
Developing capacity in the
ecosystems approach to fisheries
management (EAFM)

2. For fisheries management to be effective

3. it’s not enough for fisheries managers

4. to consider any target species in isolation.

5. An ecosystems approach which includes

6. ecological

7. human

8. economic

9. and governance dimensions

10. offers a far greater chance of
developing realistic

11. and sustainable management plans.

12. Support for an ecosystem approach to fisheries
management has long been in place

13. through a range of global declarations,
policy instruments and organizations.

14. Recognition also
exists at the national
and regional levels

15. that the ecosystem approach offers the most practical and
effective way to manage complex fisheries.

16. However, progress in developing ecosystem-based
management plans has been slow.

17. Fisheries staff lack experience in how to implement
this integrated and holistic approach.

18. Decentralization also leaves local units needing to develop
management plans that not only work locally

19. but also fit into broader fishery and ecosystem strategies.

20. Essential EAFM
The Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management
training course has been designed to address these capacity
development needs.

21. Essential EAFM has been developed
by a number of partners

22. The course focuses on the development of professional
planning, analytical and interpersonal skills

23. needed for better structured and more
informed fisheries management.

24. These skills will help lead to fisheries management
plans that are more ecologically sound

25. and account for human needs while at the
same time promoting good governance.

26. that fully engages all participants.
Essential EAFM is delivered in a highly interactive manner

27. The course targets mid-level managers and staff working with

28. fisheries, environment, economic development and planning
departments.

29. for the next generation of fisheries managers.
It is equally valuable

30. By the end of the course trainees will have a firm
understanding of how and why EAFM can be used to
sustainably manage fisheries.

31. They will also have hands-on experience of the steps needed to
develop realistic fishery management plans

32. that work in
complex local
situations.

33. A complete set of Essential EAFM course materials has been
developed and is available free of charge.

34. Relevant organizations are encouraged to use, translate and
adapt these materials.

35. Essential EAFM
For more information on Essential EAFM or to download all
materials please see
www.boblme.org/eafm
or contact: rcu@boblme.org

36. Essential EAFM is a collaboration between:
May 2014