Managing estuaries for ecosystem function.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecosystem Management
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Estuary management faces challenges due to conflicting objectives and a lack of consensus on operational tools.
• Current management often addresses individual problems rather than focusing on maintaining overall ecosystem functions.
• Maintaining ecosystem functions is crucial for ensuring ecological health and human benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate an adaptation of the functional equivalency (FE) assessment approach for estuary management.
• To integrate the FE approach into existing ecosystem assessment tools.
• To foster discussion on enhancing science-policy integration for effective estuary management.

Main Methods:

• Adapted the functional equivalency (FE) assessment approach from marine fishery management.
• Developed a three-component framework: target ecosystem functions, measurable metrics, and policy-based thresholds.
• Applied the framework using a case study with available data, models, and management policies.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the practical application of the FE framework in an estuary case study.
• Highlighted the components necessary for implementing the FE approach: defining functions, metrics, and thresholds.
• Showcased how available data and models can be utilized within the FE framework.

Conclusions:

• The functional equivalency (FE) approach offers a structured method for estuary management focused on ecosystem functions.
• Successful implementation requires high data availability and strong integration between scientific research and policy-making.
• Adopting the FE approach can lead to more integrated and effective estuary management strategies focused on human-beneficial functions.