Final Report Summary - EFIMAS (Operational evaluation tools for fisheries management options)
European fisheries are under pressures that result in the decline of fishing stocks, fleet vessels and available jobs in the fishing industry. On the other hand, management and regulation of fisheries increases in complexity, since examining single species proved insufficient to address the sector needs. It is therefore necessary to develop models for mixed fisheries and long-term management taking into consideration the various social and economic impacts of policy decisions.
In this context, the EFIMAS project aimed to develop and integrate a set of innovative tools into a robust management strategy evaluation (MSE) framework within which to simulate and assess the different consequences of a range of options and objectives within alternative management regimes. The project applied a holistic multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from biology, economy and sociology. The finalised framework structure allowed for increased participation of scientists, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in future policy decisions.
Firstly, a thorough literature review was elaborated and resulted in the publication of a book which provided a solid knowledge base for fisheries' management. Different systems were categorised and the adequacy of alternative schemes and decision processes was described in terms of the respective knowledge utilisation.
The developed stochastic models took into consideration fleet interactions and emphasised in different types of uncertainties, such as ambiguities in data collection and assessment, system modelling, provision of advice, management decisions and implementation of the proposed solutions. In addition, the models were capable of performing reliable sensitivity and risk analyses of the different options' consequences; hence, both existing and innovative strategies could be evaluated. All models operated using an integrated suite of software facilities, with implementation of common language and interface. The tools were successfully applied on typical European systems with different biological, economic, social and technical characteristics which were regulated by various management schemes.
The developed software was open source and accessible through the Internet so as to promote transparency and enhance technology transfer between disciplines and researchers. The evaluation of its performance was continuous, based on the case studies and on feedback received by scientists, stakeholders and end users during interviews and meetings.
Apart from the book and the modelling tools, EFIMAS produced a specific policy and project implementation plan which provided detailed information to the European Commission. The acquired knowledge was further disseminated via numerous actions such as publications, participation in conferences, working groups and training activities and regular communication between EFIMAS members and researchers involved in relevant projects.
In this context, the EFIMAS project aimed to develop and integrate a set of innovative tools into a robust management strategy evaluation (MSE) framework within which to simulate and assess the different consequences of a range of options and objectives within alternative management regimes. The project applied a holistic multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from biology, economy and sociology. The finalised framework structure allowed for increased participation of scientists, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in future policy decisions.
Firstly, a thorough literature review was elaborated and resulted in the publication of a book which provided a solid knowledge base for fisheries' management. Different systems were categorised and the adequacy of alternative schemes and decision processes was described in terms of the respective knowledge utilisation.
The developed stochastic models took into consideration fleet interactions and emphasised in different types of uncertainties, such as ambiguities in data collection and assessment, system modelling, provision of advice, management decisions and implementation of the proposed solutions. In addition, the models were capable of performing reliable sensitivity and risk analyses of the different options' consequences; hence, both existing and innovative strategies could be evaluated. All models operated using an integrated suite of software facilities, with implementation of common language and interface. The tools were successfully applied on typical European systems with different biological, economic, social and technical characteristics which were regulated by various management schemes.
The developed software was open source and accessible through the Internet so as to promote transparency and enhance technology transfer between disciplines and researchers. The evaluation of its performance was continuous, based on the case studies and on feedback received by scientists, stakeholders and end users during interviews and meetings.
Apart from the book and the modelling tools, EFIMAS produced a specific policy and project implementation plan which provided detailed information to the European Commission. The acquired knowledge was further disseminated via numerous actions such as publications, participation in conferences, working groups and training activities and regular communication between EFIMAS members and researchers involved in relevant projects.