Towards Implementing Multispecies Harvest Strategies That Are Robust to Interacting Populations

Abstract

A longstanding tenet of ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) is to account for trophic interactions given that all species exist as part of connected food webs. However, explicit incorporation of trophic interactions in tactical management models and decision‐making frameworks remains elusive. We draw on harvest strategy (HS) framework principles to advance the implementation of fisheries management that is Robust to Interacting Populations (RIP) and focus on simplifying and structuring it to be as pragmatic as possible. We posit that the objectives and the overall process can be structured using four main categories: (A) Whole‐of‐Ecosystem, which encompasses not exceeding the overall limits of system productivity and protecting overall ecosystem structure and function; (B) Identify and focus on key species and those with influential trophic connections that require more careful management because of the disproportional reliance of other species on these; (C) Species that interact with fisheries and are of conservation concern; and (D) pest or climate‐immigrant species with the objective of managing these to achieve desired outcomes for other (target) species in an ecosystem. For each category, we provide examples of the multispecies HS components required to inform decision‐making: indicators, data, reference levels, methods and decision rules, and identify common tools and opportunities. Finally, we summarise progress made and remaining gaps in our ability to collectively construct pragmatic guidelines for advancing EBFM and achieving RIP fisheries management to conserve marine ecosystem structure and functioning.