EcoGIS - GIS Tools for Ecosystem Approaches to Management

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a key element in the development of place-based ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. In order to evaluate species interactions, habitat associations, bycatch issues, and activities in non-fishing sectors, fishery managers rely on tools that can handle these multiple dimensions in a geographically explicit framework. Furthermore, GIS software allows for visual representation of important ecosystem attributes in map form, which is necessary for effective public communication and decision-making.

Ecosystem Pilot Projects are currently being implemented by the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils in conjunction with numerous state and federal agencies as well as the public, fishing industry groups and NGOs. As a component of these pilot projects, the the EcoGIS project brings NMFS, NOS, and the Councils together to build on existing regional GIS capabilities and more fully develop GIS tools for managing and researching marine fishery ecosystems.

In its initial pilot phase (through FY06), the EcoGIS project will be focused on priority fishery management and science issues in U.S. North and South Atlantic waters. However, the GIS tools developed will be portable to other waters of the country given sufficient data resources. The EcoGIS team will also be writing a blueprint for the future of EcoGIS that incorporates new science and considers evolving ocean governance structures and observation systems.