This section builds upon the previous background and context section to provide the quantitative and analytical basis from which one could assess, evaluate, monitor, and provide management advice for an ecosystem. Although I present some of the math behind the thinking of these approaches, my emphasis here has not been to be overly mathematical, but rather to present the material from a conceptual basis. I have tried to present examples of formulae that elucidate and support the concepts, not make them difficult to grasp. As such, the quantitative marine ecologist might find this section somewhat lacking, but I would point such individuals to those references cited for further details. Conversely, the resource managers, stakeholders, or other readers with less appetite for such formulae may find this material a bit more accessible.

Again, my point here (as in the prior section) is to be illustrative, not exhaustive. As such I have provided examples with which I am familiar and that should demonstrate the concepts clearly. By bringing together a wide range of approaches, my intent is to demonstrate that there are methods, approaches, software packages, etc. (i.e. tools) that are extant now which can be used to implement EBFM. The focus of these quantitative tools has been on ecosystem (i.e. biophysical) dynamics, although I do note some models that have socioeconomic elements to them as well.