Management of marine ecosystems

The global decline in world fisheries resources and marine habitats has been the impetus for new thinking in the way ocean resources are managed. For example, rather than just considering the size of single stocks of commercially valuable fish species, a recognition of the importance of habitat quality and prey resources that support these populations has resulted in whole ‘ecosystem approaches’ to ocean management ( Rogers et al ., 2007 ). The management of benthic habitats and species, pelagic fish, marine mammal and bird populations now often demand international cooperation. Important policy developments at a European Union level include the new Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. These policies are aimed towards developing a more integrated and proactive approach to managing the human activities within the marine environment.