HOW DO WE HANDLE LIMITED INFORMATION FOR EBFM?

The previous chapters in this section have all been singularly quantitative, and as such, imply a need for significant quantitative data sets. Yet there are some instances – particularly in many developing countries – where information might be available, but is categorical or qualitative at best. What type of an analytical approach could handle such information? That is, if a situation is truly data poor, can we still implement an EBFM? Could we even start towards EBFM with limited data? Or, what if there is some rigorously quantitative data for some aspects of fisheries science in a particular ecosystem, but limited data on other facets of those factors that can influence fish stocks in that given ecosystem? How would we be able to accommodate that additional information if it were unable to be parameterized into some of the models we have just finished discussing in prior chapters?

I think everyone would agree that moving towards as quantitative an analytical approach as is possible is the most desirable option, and I believe that we should also reiterate à laChapter 6 that most fisheries agencies collect a broad range of data that can, and should, be packaged in unique and novel ways. Also, many of the ocean observing systems now provide online information that is readily available, and we should be as exhaustive and inclusive as possible when establishing indicators and setting up models.