Ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management are a keystone element to achieve the diverse goals that people have for ocean systems globally. In order to make progress in implementing ecosystem-based approaches, it is critical to evaluate the efforts to date, recognizing how social and environmental factors shape both the form and the outcomes of EBFM in different places around the world. Jason Link and Tony Marshak are at the frontier of this type of
assessment.
Jason S. Link is Senior Scientist for Ecosystem Management with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), USA. In this role, he leads approaches and models to support development of ecosystem-based management plans and activities throughout the agency, serving as the agency's senior-most authority on ecosystem science. Dr. Link holds an adjunct faculty position at the School for Marine
Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts, is a fellow of the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists, and has received a Department of Commerce Bronze Medal and the Fisheries Society of the British Isles Medal for significant advances in fisheries science.
Anthony R. Marshak is Program Analyst with CSS, Inc. in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), USA. Prior to this role, he worked as a Research Associate in the NMFS Office of Science and Technology where his duties included co-leading its habitat science program, organizing workshops and symposia, and collaborating with the NMFS Senior Scientist for Ecosystem Management. Dr. Marshak has conducted
research on a variety of topics including coral reef fisheries ecology, climate-related range shifts, the effects of marine protected areas, and socioecological studies related to ecosystem-based management.