Abstract

Ecosystem based fisheries assessment (EBFA) represents a paradigm shift in fisheries management, advocating for a holistic approach that considers the interdependencies between species, habitats, and human activities. This abstract explores the principles, methodologies, benefits, and challenges of EBFA, highlighting its potential to revolutionize fisheries management and conservation efforts worldwide. By integrating ecological, social, and economic considerations into decision-making processes, EBFA aims to promote the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems and fisheries resources. Key principles of EBFA include precautionary management, ecosystem resilience, adaptive governance, and stakeholder engagement. Methodologies for EBFA encompass ecological indicators, socio-economic indicators, and ecosystem models, enabling researchers to assess ecosystem health and inform management strategies. Benefits of EBFA include more comprehensive and integrated management strategies, enhanced resilience to environmental change, and increased transparency and legitimacy in decision-making processes. However, challenges such as data limitations, governance complexities, and measuring success and evaluating outcomes remain obstacles to the widespread adoption of EBFA. Despite these challenges, EBFA offers a promising pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our oceans and fisheries resources.