Final Report Summary - BECAUSE (Critical Interactions BEtween Species and their Implications for a PreCAUtionary FISheries Management in a variable Environment- a Modelling Approach) The BECAUSE project aimed to identify and quantify critical biological interactions between commercially exploitable fish species and non-commercial top predators, so as to describe food web structures and to derive precautionary reference points, necessary for the development of adaptive strategies and the promotion of ecosystem oriented fisheries' management. More specifically, the technical BECAUSE objectives were to: 1. develop conceptual food web models and analyse the processes driving critical interactions; 2. improve multi-species assessment models; 3. predict stock trends through the application of improved forecast models for numerous organisms; 4. analyse fisheries' management implications. The project examined five case studies and was structured in interrelated work packages (WPs) which focused on the abovementioned technical challenges. Specific models were developed for all cases and were utilised for the evaluation of favourable and unfavourable scenarios. Simulations enabled the quantification of predation mortality and consumption by predators for different preys. Moreover, they provided measures of the uncertainty of estimates taking into account fishing activities and changes in environmental conditions. As a result, the likely effects and ambiguities of alternative strategies were pinpointed and evaluated through a risk assessment approach. In addition, control rules were formulated taking into consideration conflicting objectives in fisheries and ecosystem management. The developed models, which included spatial heterogeneity and environmental variability, could subsequently be integrated in more generic tools to assist policy decisions. BECAUSE was anticipated to have significant impacts for the European Union and international organisations, for the research community and stakeholders, for environmental groups and, finally, for the marine environment itself. It firstly supported the development of management strategies at different levels so as to mitigate overfishing and global change effects. In addition, the project enhanced the incorporation of environmental issues into the European common fishery policies. Furthermore, BECAUSE increased the potential for integration of an ecosystem-based approach into management strategies for the fishing sector. The acquired knowledge was disseminated through numerous scientific publications, presentations in conferences, preparation of reports and other documentation. The project website also contained useful information that was accessible by stakeholders and the general public. Related documents Final Report - BECAUSE (Critical Interactions BEtween Species and their Implications for a PreCAUtionary FISheries Management in a variable Environment- a Modelling Approach)
