A socio-ecological approach for setting ecosystem targets
Presentation Abstract
Ecosystem-based management will remain a good idea that is not really implemented until scientifically rigorous and socially feasible management targets exist. Because targets are an expression of the desired state of the ecosystem, establishing targets must include ecological understanding and societal values. Here, we report on an approach for identifying scientifically rigorous ecosystem targets that explicitly consider social perspectives. Focusing on Puget Sound , we used a food web model to examine changes to ecosystem attributes that result from simulated changes in nearshore habitat and water quality. We then conducted social norm analyses in which stakeholders were asked to rate the desirability of a range of potential ecosystem futures. By explicating linking trade-offs inherent in socio-ecological systems with societal values, we provide a transparent means for identifying management targets for EBM.
Session Title
Session S-02H: Integrating the Social and Natural Sciences for Decision Making
Conference Track
Social Science Plus
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
30-4-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
30-4-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 607
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Ecosystem management--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Environmental sociology--Washington (State)--Puget Sound
Geographic Coverage
Puget Sound (Wash.); Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
A socio-ecological approach for setting ecosystem targets
Room 607
Ecosystem-based management will remain a good idea that is not really implemented until scientifically rigorous and socially feasible management targets exist. Because targets are an expression of the desired state of the ecosystem, establishing targets must include ecological understanding and societal values. Here, we report on an approach for identifying scientifically rigorous ecosystem targets that explicitly consider social perspectives. Focusing on Puget Sound , we used a food web model to examine changes to ecosystem attributes that result from simulated changes in nearshore habitat and water quality. We then conducted social norm analyses in which stakeholders were asked to rate the desirability of a range of potential ecosystem futures. By explicating linking trade-offs inherent in socio-ecological systems with societal values, we provide a transparent means for identifying management targets for EBM.