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The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) complements European fish stock assessments under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). CFP assessments separately assess fishing mortality (F) and spawning stock biomass (SSB). Contrary, within its third descriptor (D3) of good environmental status (GES) the MSFD requires to assess exploited fish stocks against three criteria, which are F (D3C1), SSB (D3C2) and the age or size structure (D3C3) within the stock. Further, the MSFD requires to integrate the status of all three criteria to determine whether a stock has achieved GES. The full implementation of MSFD compliant stock assessments has been impaired by the lack of operational indicators for age/size structure. This study presents an approach to assess D3C3 by analysing two indicators i.e. recruitment (R) and SSB/R using time series-based assessments. R and SSB/R reflect the small and large components of a stock and are used as proxy indicators for stock productivity and realised growth potential. Using stock assessment data from 20 North East Atlantic fish stocks, a RandomForest model validated the sensitivity of SSB/R against F and two selectivity indicators. Further, this study introduces an approach to integrate the assessment outcomes of the three D3-criteria by stock. The here demonstrated approach of assessing fish stocks according to D3 of the MSFD relies only on data available from stock assessment summary sheets and is thereby easy to implement for all stocks with analytical stock assessments. The implications of and future direction for assessing D3C3 are discussed.

The shifting policy focus towards Ecosystem Based Management in Fisheries (EBFM) requires the integration of knowledge and disciplines and the engagement of stakeholders to support decision-making processes. Scientists contribute to this through (i) participatory research projects, (ii) stakeholder partnerships and (iii) institutional scientific advice processes. Understanding the role of scientists in such processes, the nature of the interactions between scientists, stakeholders and managers in knowledge integration and the link between science and policy is an emerging field of research addressing transdisciplinary challenges. In 2018, Ifremer-UMR AMURE organized the workshop 'Science, Partnership and Decision-support in Fisheries' bringing together international scientists from natural and social sciences to conduct a review based on twenty concrete case studies. Findings indicate that science-stakeholder-manager partnerships for decision-support in fisheries can play an essential role in the transition to EBFM. To foster this transition, eight recommendations are presented that cover the roles of the different participants, the expectations of partnerships, capacity building, the integration of the social sciences, and funding structures. Further, it is recommended that future research and innovation framework programmes into sustainable fisheries and other ocean uses should explicitly include mechanisms to foster transdisciplinary approaches and the development of best practices. Building-up networks and developing reflexive approaches to review experiences and practices for transdisciplinary approaches in EFBM decision-support will contribute to design the next generation transdisciplinary platforms and generating actionable knowledge towards EBFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat and fisheries usage data are key components for ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EBFM). Significant gaps in knowledge remain for fisheries–habitat interactions, particularly in inshore fisheries where vessels are <12 m in length. Here, we show changes in inshore fishing effort distribution (<12 m) and habitat use over the decade 2004–2013. Sightings data of fishing vessel activity recorded by the Northumberland Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) were combined with landings data to estimate and map pot-fishing activity between 2004 and 2013. Spatial temporal changes were investigated using Monte Carlo simulation of randomly sampled fishing effort maps. High resolution (1 m) broadscale (EUNIS level 3) predictive habitat maps of the Coquet to St Marys' Marine Conservation Zone (CQSM MCZ) were used to investigate spatial temporal changes in fishers' habitat selection using compositional analysis. Fishing effort in Northumberland increased between 2004 and 2013 (233 642–354 193 pots year−1). Fishing effort distribution differed between individual years, decreasing over large areas between 2004 and 2007, followed by increases, especially inshore, between 2008 and 2013. Fishers in the CQSM MCZ showed a preference for rocky habitats over sediment habitats. Habitat preference did not vary between years although all habitats experienced increasing fishing pressure. Spatial temporal changes in fishing effort and habitat use were discussed in relation to EBFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An integrative assessment approach of fish stocks for MSFD D3 is demonstrated. • For D3 three criteria need to be assessed: fishing mortality, stock size and age structure. • Age structure is assessed by recruitment and a proxy metric for mean age. • The assessment outcomes of all criteria are integrated to obtain the stock status. • The D3 assessment approach relies on readily available data from stock assessments. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) complements European fish stock assessments under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). CFP assessments separately assess fishing mortality (F) and spawning stock biomass (SSB). Contrary, within its third descriptor (D3) of good environmental status (GES) the MSFD requires to assess exploited fish stocks against three criteria, which are F (D3C1), SSB (D3C2) and the age or size structure (D3C3) within the stock. Further, the MSFD requires to integrate the status of all three criteria to determine whether a stock has achieved GES. The full implementation of MSFD compliant stock assessments has been impaired by the lack of operational indicators for age/size structure. This study presents an approach to assess D3C3 by analysing two indicators i.e. recruitment (R) and SSB/R using time series-based assessments. R and SSB/R reflect the small and large components of a stock and are used as proxy indicators for stock productivity and realised growth potential. Using stock assessment data from 20 North East Atlantic fish stocks, a RandomForest model validated the sensitivity of SSB/R against F and two selectivity indicators. Further, this study introduces an approach to integrate the assessment outcomes of the three D3-criteria by stock. The here demonstrated approach of assessing fish stocks according to D3 of the MSFD relies only on data available from stock assessment summary sheets and is thereby easy to implement for all stocks with analytical stock assessments. The implications of and future direction for assessing D3C3 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is an introduction to the special issue on a role of participation in dealing with the interactions between environment and fisheries. In this introduction, we explore the recent discussion on the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EBAFM) and extract important points for implementation of EBAFM from the social science literature on participation and participatory processes in environmental management. The introduction finishes by describing the analytical framework for studying participatory processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The management of fisheries requires well-planned approaches that consider the socio-ecological costs and benefits of management options while minimising conflicts among fishing practices. We developed a framework to anticipate the cost-effectiveness of several fisheries management options, including space-time closures, gear selectivity improvements, and fishing effort reduction of eastern Ionian Sea fisheries. We also examined to what extent these fisheries could be influenced by placing new aquaculture sites into specific areas. We used a dynamic space-time model considering the effect of possible fishing effort displacement on alternative marine areas. A fine-scale distribution of 6 species of high commercial importance, for the eastern Ionian fisheries (central Mediterranean), was used together with the fishing effort distribution of trawlers, purse-seines, and small-scale fisheries to track the implications on several bio-economic indicators. The study revealed that the stocks and the fisheries economics benefited from a 10% reduction in fishing effort for all fishery sectors, while the unwanted fish catch was slightly higher. Thus, although there are notable advantages, this management option is not sufficient to support an EU regulatory framework aiming to promote more selective fishing practices and mitigate unwanted catches. However, we showed that the protection of juveniles, by imposing selectivity improvements or space-time closures on trawlers, slightly reduced the unwanted catch. Nevertheless, the benefit for the majority of stocks and fisheries economics, during the five-year simulation period, was limited. In the case of space-time closures, this is attributed to the offset due to the fishing effort displacement towards other areas. While the benefit on fish populations by improving trawl selectivity, it depends on the species. Finally, the establishment of new aquaculture units could lead to a slight re-allocation of fishing effort along the border of the new sites without substantially affecting the profit of small-scale fisheries. Such findings are useful for fisheries management and broader spatial planning in the Ionian Sea. They will provide insight to policymakers and different fishing sectors, thus enabling a more transparent and participatory decision–making process. • We study the cost-effectiveness of fisheries management options in Ionian Sea. • We use a dynamic spatial bio-economic model taking into account the fishing effort displacement effect. • An effort control benefits the stocks and the economy, but unwanted catch is higher. • Space-time closures and selectivity improvements slightly reduce the unwanted catch. • Placing new aquaculture sites has not affected the profit of small-scale fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]