Marine Ecosystems Management Areas an application of the concept

1
Marine Ecosystems Management
Areas an application of the concept
Georeferencing Florida FIPS, HUCS, Points, and
Polygons. A workshop. St. Petersburg, Florida,
Aug 23-24, 2000

• Dr. Ramon Ruiz-Carus
• Florida Marine Research Institute
• 100 Eighth Avenue SE.
• St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA

2
Objectives

• To present an overview of the MEMAs concept.
• To introduce the FBICs GOM problem and discuss
  a possible solution with MEMAs concept.

3
MEMAs
Marine Lat. mare pertinent of related to the
sea.
Management It. maneggiare to handle (a
horse), probably manidiare, Lat. manus hand.
To direct or exert control
Area(s) A division of the space on a surface.
Region, zone, belt, district, locality.
4
The concept or definition of ecosystem

• is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, and
  micro-organism communities and their non-living
  environment interacting as a functional unit.
• United Nations Convention
  on Biodiversity (1992).

5
Characteristics of the ecosystem concept

• The term was coined by A.G. Tansley (1935).
  However it has the same meaning (synonym) of
  Biocenosis (Möbius, 1877).
• It is a theoretical concept. It was developed
  to aid scientists in analysis.
• It has no defined set of essential attributes.
• There are no protocols for measurement of
  ecosystem attributes.
• There is no physical framework or geographic
  guidance.
• It can be configured or delimited in different
  ways.
• It can be defined with any variables.

6
And GIS experts have experienced...

• Ecosystems with different size and shape in any
  location grids covered by layers of
  ecosystems crisscrossed w/boundaries.
• Ecosystems shift in time and space with changes
  in the distribution of biodiversity.
• There is not an agreed classification system for
  marine ecosystems.

7
Theoretical vs. The reality of Management
Does the ecosystem concept, when used as a guide
for economic activity, permitting, compliance,
enforcement, planning, etc., provide an
appropriate geographic basis for the development
of State government policy and regulations?
8
FL under Large Marine Ecosystems classification
9
FL in a Federal classification scheme

10
FL GOM in a Federal classification scheme
11
FL in a State classification scheme
The FWC-FMRI-FDM Program Marine Fisheries Trip
Tickets Fishing Area Codes
12
Another classification at State level
The FWC-FMRI-FIM Program Sampling Grid Number
13
From Hudson, R. 1999. FWC, FMRI. Unpublished
14
From Hudson, R. 1999. FWC, FMRI.
Unpublished
15
MEMAs rationale history

• To develop a spatial framework for FL marine
  estuarine monitoring.
• The spatial framework will enhance
  characterization of ecological variables and
  expedite management.
• Started in 1995 at FMRI under FDEP.
• Ended on June 30, 1999 with transfer of FMRI
  to FWC, a new state agency.

16
(No Transcript)
17
The MEMAs proposed by FMRI

• There were 11 MEMAs.
• The classification was based on benthic
  organisms.
• The MEMAs most likely will be reviewed,
  assessed, and modified.

18
Management of Ecosystems

• Ecosystems are not living things!
• I do manage Floridas fish wildlife resources
  but under Natures supervision!
• and I also manage subject to Federal and
  International laws
• and guidelines.

19
MEMAs and GOM

• Could MEMAs be expanded to include the GOM?
• Are MEMAs a reasonable way to classify and
  synthesize information relevant to FBIC
  mission?

20
FBIC problem How to georeference GOM?
GOM Physiography
21
Discussion...

• Is it necessary to georeference the GOM?
• How to georeference the GOM?
• Set up standards procedures?
• What classification system?
• Develop an include all classification scheme?
  
• Peer review classification implement?
• Time table and assignment of duties?
• Funding sources?