The Bering Sea Ecosystem (1996) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 250-259
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From page 250... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 250 8 Gaps in Knowledge and Recommendations Both the gaps in our knowledge about the Bering Sea ecosystem and the research required to fill those gaps are so extensive that a detailed elaboration could be a report in itself. However, characterizing the general shortcomings of our past perspectives that contribute to our present lack of understanding and specifying a list of priority research needs could help address some of the most pressing issues concerning the Bering Sea ecosystem.
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From page 251... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 251 characterize ocean currents in three dimensions by use of acoustic Doppler current profilers, for example, the development of analogous biological samplers (even those exploiting the same acoustical principles) is in its infancy.
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From page 252... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 252 changes in fishing practices. This is a wasted opportunity to realize an important aspect of adaptive management; learning through rigorous evaluation of the consequences of management interventions.
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From page 253... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 253 absence of pollock fishing before about 20 years ago gives a false impression of relatively low pollock biomass in earlier years. The relationship between adult and juvenile pollock abundances also needs to be understood better.
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From page 254... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 254 A major field research program is required to develop the necessary basic understanding of how the physical conditions of the Bering Sea interact with the biological system to drive changes in ecosystem dynamics. There has been a substantial research commitment to achieving an oceanographic, process-based understanding of the eastern boundary current systems of upwelling.
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From page 255... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 255 and understanding among different stakeholders. These considerations led the committee to make the following recommendations.
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From page 256... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 256 Research to Improve Understanding of the Ecosystem Two of the most important questions about the functioning of the Bering Sea ecosystem concern pollock, which appears to be an important (keystone) species in the ecosystem (Bakkala, 1993; chapters 4 and 6)
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From page 257... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 257 and the vertebrates (including pollock) that rely on them and on zooplankton as a significant part of their diet.
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From page 258... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 258 • the geographic area under its purview; • the resources and activities under its purview; • the basis for its authority; • the legislative mandate or other operational objectives; • its basic operational procedures; • its source and level funding; and • any implicit or explicit links between it and other organizations in research, planning, or operations. This information would help to develop understanding of the areas and types of regulation.
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From page 259... ...
GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS 259 Specific Action to Reverse Declines in Marine Mammals and Birds To reverse declines in marine mammals and birds, broaden the distribution of fishing effort in space and time, especially for pollock. As described in Chapter 6, there is a significant likelihood that concentrated fishing for pollock in some places at some times can have an adverse effect on availability of food for marine mammals and birds, especially juveniles.
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