The New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act was recently signed into law by Governor George E. Pataki. This act created an ecosystem conservation council charged with developing a strategic plan to implement ecosystem-based management in NY’s coastal waters. Ecosystem based management (EBM) workshops are being held throughout NYS to give people an opportunity to share their ideas and opinions on how to advance EDM in NYS waters. The workshop participants will also help inform and advise the NY Ecosystem Conservation Council.
There is emerging scientific consensus on the effectiveness of EOM in the conservation of marine resources. Many past efforts focusing on conservation of a single species or protection of small areas have been unsuccessful. However, EMB is an integrated approach to resource management that has been implemented worldwide as a means of balancing ecological integrity with sustainable development. It incorporates ecosystem structure and function, and accounts for interconnectedness within and among systems. EBM also helps plan for and manage human activities and needs as part of the ecosystem. New York is one of the first states in the Nation to implement legislation recognizing the need for EBM of our marine and coastal waters. This landmark legislation will help NYS streamline coastal conservation efforts and adapt a more holistic approach to marine management.
MSRC hosted two EBM workshops for NYS on September 26th and 27th, 2006. One workshop was held at the Seamen’s Church Institute in Manhattan and the other at the Charles B. Wang Center on Stony Brook’s campus. Bill Wise and Kim Knoll organized these workshops with the help of students and faculty from MSRC and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. Altogether, some 130 people attended. There were many different stake holder groups at these meetings including fishermen, industry representatives, local and state policy makers, municipal planning and environmental agencies, environmental groups, homeowners associations, and researchers.
MSRC Dean David Conover introduced the keynote speakers: Dr. Ellen Pikitch, Executive Director, PEW Institute for Ocean Science, and Dr. Larry Crowder. Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University. Dr. Pikitch spoke to the group about the theory behind EBM and described the differences between EBM and other management efforts. She also discussed multiple examples of successful ecosystem based fisheries management efforts. Dr. Crowder examined other EBM case studies and future implications on marine systems.
MSRC Schubel scholars Lynn Abramson and Christine O’Connell helped structure the dialogue during breakout sessions where participants shared their ideas and and concerns with regard to implementing EBM in NYS. The overall mood was enthusiastic, and everyone seemed excited to collaborate in the future. “‘The workshops were well attended and went amazingly well. The participants generally were very positive about the potential of the ecosystem based approach”, said Dean David Conover.
