Assessing Marine Resources Using Ecology, Fisheries Science, and Expert Judgment

One of the most challenging issues facing resource managers is how to prioritize conservation goals within ecosystems. Firstly, I found experts primarily used percent change and trophic impact as the basis for assigning ranks to ecosystem impacts. Mudflats, beach, salt marshes, and rocky intertidal were judged most vulnerable, and the highest stressor rankings included invasive species, ocean acidification, sea temperature change, and demersal destructive fishing. Secondly, I investigated how demographic metrics of the red sea urchin Mesocentrotus franciscanus varied in response to protection, temperature, and the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. Thirdly, I demonstrated that urchin reproduction can predict fishing industry’s standard quality ratings, price, effort, and landings. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of urchin’s reproduction is not only useful in understanding the ecology and population biology of this species, but also it is essential for managers and policymakers to direct efficient management and ensure sustainability, particularly under future climate change scenarios