ECOTEST, a proof of concept for evaluating ecological indicators in multispecies fisheries, with the Atlantic longline fishery case study

Citation
Huynh QC, Carruthers T, Taylor NG (2022) ECOTEST, a proof of concept for evaluating ecological indicators in multispecies fisheries, with the Atlantic longline fishery case study. Collect Vol Sci Pap ICCAT 79:165–177
Abstract

There is a need for rigorous science to inform decision makers for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM). It is important to establish challenging and plausible scenarios for ecosystem dynamics and then test whether current and potential indicators can reflect stock status. Without the validation of indicators and the testing of relevant policy guidance to mitigate ecosystem impacts, there is a credibility gap between scientific practitioners of ecosystem science and decision makers that need to defend their actions in large multi-party negotiations. A multispecies framework that supports tactical decision making can make significant progress towards the essential goals of EBFM. We present a management strategy evaluation framework called “EcoTest”. This is an extension to openMSE software, used for single-species modeling, that simulates multi-species fisheries dynamics. A range of features are possible in EcoTest, such as the ability to evaluate current indicators as well as design new indicators and identify the conditions under which indicators operate reliably. Here we demonstrate the use of EcoTest using the Atlantic longline fishery as a case study.