Introducing

Essential EAFM

Developing capacity in the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM)

Why EAFM?

Why the ecosystem approach to fisheries management?

• Challenges of effective fisheries management – especially in complex multi-species, multi-gear fisheries

• Traditional stock-based approaches largely ineffective – management measures often do not take other important aspects of fisheries into account

• Decline of many fisheries over past 30 years• Need for more effective and equitable management

What is EAFM?What is EAFM?

• The ecosystem approach offers a practical and effective means to

manage fisheries more holistically• EAFM represents a move away from single species fisheries

management • EAFM focusses on systems and decision-making processes that

balance environmental, human and social well-being within improved governance frameworks

What is the ecosystem approach to fisheries management?

EAFM gathers momentum

Use of EAFM has beenwidely endorsed

• United Nations General Assembly (2012)• UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) (2012)• World Conservation Congress (2012)• World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002)• Reykjavik Declaration on Responsible Fisheries in Marine

Ecosystems (2001)

The need to develop capacity

EAFM capacity needs to be built

• Despite its widespread support, progress in developing ecosystem-based management plans has been slow • Fisheries staff lack experience in how to implement this integrated

and holistic approach• Decentralization leaves local units needing to develop

management plans that not only work locally but also fit into broader fishery and ecosystem strategies• Major challenge remains – moving from theory to practice

Essential EAFMThe Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management

training course has been designed to address these capacity development needs

Essential EAFM training course has been developed by a

number of partners

About Essential EAFM

What is the Essential EAFM training course?

• A comprehensive, five-day course designed to provide basic knowledge on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management

• A focus on the development of professional planning, analytical and interpersonal skills needed for better structured and more informed fisheries management• These skills will lead to fisheries management plans that are more

ecologically sound and account for human needs while at the

same time promoting good governance

What will participants learn?• Essential EAFM will equip participants with practical skills to develop effective

fisheries management plans• Essential EAFM will:

• Enhance understanding of ecosystem approaches• empower local fishery units to develop realistic fishery management plans that

work in complex local situations• place participatory processes and stakeholder engagement at the heart of

fisheries planning• create understanding of co-management • foster cross-sector coordination• balance diverse interests and reduce user group conflicts• help unlock financial resources • build communication and facilitation skills

• Trainees will have a firm understanding of how and why EAFM can be used to sustainably manage fisheries• They will also have hands-on experience of the steps needed to

develop realistic fishery management plans that work in complex local situations

By the end of the course…

Who is Essential EAFM for?

EAFM will benefit a wide range of staff

• Essential EAFM targets mid-level managers and staff from fisheries, environment, economic development and planning departments• The course recognises that a wide range of institutions and

agencies have a role to play in effective fisheries management • Students and the next generation of fisheries managers would also

benefit

A complete set of Essential EAFM course materials has been developed and is available free of charge

Relevant organizations are encouraged to use, translate and adapt these materials

Piloting Essential EAFM

Malaysia

Thailand

• ADB-CTI, Indonesia• COFI, Rome• SCSLME, SSME• SEAFDEC TD / MFRDMD• Philippines, Vietnam• Myanmar• Sri Lanka, India, Maldives• Beyond…

Outlook

What is the goal?

How would we like to see Essential EAFM develop?

• Partnerships formed with institutions in countries throughout the region to act as course providers• Body of trainers built up in region

• Community of Practice developed• Course materials adapted and translated (e.g. local case studies

added; EAA)• EAFM widely implemented

Essential EAFMFor more information on Essential EAFM or to download all materials please see

www.boblme.org/eafmwww.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred/eafm_training.php

www.apfic.org/training/eafmtraining.html

or contact: rcu@boblme.org