An information presentation of the working group on ecosystem approach to ocean health and stressors, in support of the Galway statement

1. Working Group on
Ecosystem Approach to Ocean Health and Stressors

2. The Working Group on Ecosystem Approach to
Ocean Health and Stressors (EA2OHS)
in support of the Galway Statement

3. Vision
To promote research to understand the North Atlantic Ocean in support of
ecosystem-based management (EBM)
Recognizing that the Atlantic Ocean is a shared resource and responsibility,
this working group seeks to advance our understanding of the Atlantic Ocean
and its dynamic systems to:
• improve ocean health
• improve ocean stewardship
• promote the sustainable management of its resources

4. Mutual benefits
• improved environmental and ecosystem assessments
• improved understanding of stressors, vulnerabilities and risk
• new tools to achieve EBM objectives such as:
 increased ecosystem resilience
 conserve biodiversity
 manage risk
 determine social, economic, and environmental priorities

5. Events so far
2 major workshops:
• Jan 2016 Copenhagen - Science for operationalizing the ecosystem
approach - joint with FAO
http://www.ices.dk/explore-us/projects/Pages/Making-the-ecosystem-
approach-operational.aspx
• Jan 2017 Reykjavik – Preparing a roadmap for EA2OHS, report due
Additional meetings associated with other events, including MSEAS, Brest 2016

6. 18 month programme
1. Vocabulary: Establish common vocabulary as a basis for collaboration, terms
and tools.
Ongoing throughout working group
2. Stakeholders: Engage all ocean-use stakeholders, and cross-pollinate across
sectors, to ascertain what needs are from all stakeholders.
Develop strategy with partners
3. Mandates: Enhance the uptake of science for EBM through characterization of
relevant mandates and governance structures; relate them to one another and
compare across jurisdictions.
Workshop end 2017

7. 18 month programme
4. Link sectors and ecosystem: Characterize all ocean-use sectors;
characterize stressors, and ecosystem characteristics; and relate them to one
another, as well as mandates above.
Workshop beginning 2018
5. Identify gaps: Establish means to use existing information and identify
knowledge gaps and support the mechanisms to address them.
Work by correspondence
6. Tools for EBM: Identify and recommend tools, or tools for development and
application, to address trade-offs across ocean-use sectors
Large international workshop using operational examples 2018

8. 18 month programme
7. Communication: Establish training and communications materials
Work with AORA ocean literacy group
8. Research Priorities Document: Synthesise recommendations for research
priorities to implement EBM
Working group end 2018

9. Thank you!