GEF International Waters Conference Salvador, Brazil June 2005 APPLICATION OF LME INDICATORS : SCOTIAN SHELF LME and THE U.S. NORTHEAST SHELF LME
10 U.S. LMEs
THE SCOTIAN SHELF LME
From: Frank, Petrie, Choi, and Leggett Trophic cascades in a formerly cod-dominated ecosystem. Science 308:1621.
CHANGING CONDITIONS From: Choi, Frank, Leggett, and Drinkwater, Transition to an alternate state in a continental shelf ecosystem. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 61:
NORTHEAST SHELF LME
An undulating oceanographic recorder (above), towed behind a ship, is used to collect ecological parameters needed to assess the state of the marine ecosystem (left). PRODUCTIVITY INDICATORS
Northeast Shelf Meteorology
Climate Drivers of the Northeast Shelf Ecosystem Warm Gulf Stream waters Cold Scotian Shelf incursions Winter North American cold air Warm Gulf of Mexico air Position of westerly North American jet air stream from O. Hertzman, 1996
General Circulation of the Northeast Shelf Ecosystem
FISH AND FISHERIES INDICATORS Demersal species surveys Pelagic species surveys Ichthyoplankton surveys Invertebrate surveys (clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, squid) Essential fish habitat Marine protected areas
COMMON TERMS from Our Living Oceans Report Recent average yield (RAY) Current potential yield (CPY) Long term potential yield (LTPY) Stock level relative to LTPY Status of resource utilization Threatened or endangered Potential biological removal (PBR / MMPA)