Mass-Balance Model for Evaluating Food Web Structure and Community-Scale Indicators in the Central Basin of Puget Sound

摘要

Scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders in coastal regions are increasingly calling for ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine resources and services. Such approaches, generally referred to as ecosystem-based management (EBM) of marine systems, recognize the importance of linkages between (and trade-offs among) species, processes, and stakeholder uses. Puget Sound is a system in which EBM methods are especially applicable, because it supports a diverse assemblage of species and a growing human population that derives a range of services from natural resources and processes. These services span far beyond fisheries. Recognizing the need for EBM in Puget Sound, the State of Washington established a consortium the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP)in 2007 to identify goals and actions pursuant to ecosystem restoration and sustainability, particularly with respect to species, habitat, water quality, water quantity, and human health and well-being.