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

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Apr 30th, 1:30 PM Apr 30th, 3:00 PM

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.