DTU Aqua's research in ecosystem-based marine management focuses on direct and indirect impacts of fisheries on the marine environment.
The objective of DTU Aqua's research into ecosystem based marine management is to develop knowledge and tools that can be used as the basis for advice on ecosystem based fisheries management taking overall environmental goals as reflected in environmental policy into account.
Main themes within ecosystem based marine management
Research on ecosystem-based marine management has four main themes:
- Quantitative analyses of indicators and indicator thresholds in relation to the definition of good environmental status under the EU Marine Strategy Directive.
- Development of methods to minimize unwanted by-catch of e.g. mammals and implementation of alternative fishing gear to minimize negative interactions between marine mammals and fisheries.
- Methods for advice on spatial fisheries management measures.
- Assessment of the effects of interactions with predator and prey fish stocks.
Why do we conduct research into ecosystem based marine management?
Ecosystem-based marine management is a requirement in many of the current policies and directives. The principle is that fishing should be sustainable in an ecosystem context such that both the structure and function of the ecosystem is preserved.
What is the research used for?
The results of DTU Aqua's research into ecosystem-based marine management are used mainly for advising the authorities involved in the management of fisheries; the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, including the Danish Fisheries Agency, and the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark. Moreover, we advise international organizations, including the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The advice focuses on the implementation of EU Maritime Policy and Marine Strategy, the revised EU Common Fisheries Policy and the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives.