Title: Threats to the ocean: on the role of ecosystem approaches to fisheries Paper by Christensen, V., K. A. Aiken, M. C. Villanueva Social Science Information, 46: Presented by Haley Rae Fail, Environmental Studies and Geography, Geog 370, March 1, 2010

Problem – Intense overfishing and habitat degradation – Ecosystem Approach: This is the most sufficient way to manage fisheries, but it is a new method. Scientists need a way to manage and apply all the information required to solve the fisheries situation. Hypothesis: – Modeling spatial information (using GIS) from fisheries ecosystems will allow fisheries experts to better understand how fisheries work and enhance measure to return fisheries to sustainable levels.

Gather as much spatial information as possible on the fishery (including human impacts). Use a GIS program to model this information. The authors here listed data from different research and describe several methods of modeling. They explained how to apply these data sets to the fisheries stocks as an ecosystem.

Ecosystem modeling and GIS provided a way for the authors to collaborate all components of the fisheries. The hypothesis is not rejected.

Using these models helps experts make efficient biomass predictions in a location under current fishing methods. It allows experts to see what changes need to be made in different fisheries to make them more sustainable. Criticisms: Should have included more information on current methods of managing fisheries. Argument could be better supported if it included an example of one specific fishery.