A Case Study in Ecological Accounting for use in Landscape Management and Aquatic Habitat Banking

Session: 34. - Aquatic Habitat Evaluation and Assessment

Susan Doka, GLLFAS, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, [email protected]
Charles Minns, DFO-GLLFAS-Burlington, Univ, of Toronto-Dept Ecol Evol Biol, [email protected]
Brent Valere, Fisheries Protection Program, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, [email protected]
Alwyn Rose, Fisheries Protection Policy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, [email protected]

Abstract

We propose an ecological accounting framework using habitat equivalents scaled to aquatic productivity and using fish- habitat associations by life stage catered to local fish communities.  The framework uses both landscape scale and site level evaluations of pre- and post-habitat change to track and apportion habitat patches to baseline and target setting.  Concepts of natural capital reserves and differing eco-classes are used for trading gains and losses between development projects, offsets and restoration actions.  Traditional accounting terms such as deposits, withdrawals, and transfers were defined using habitat equivalents as the currency.  Other key features include the setting of a ‘service area’ that is ecologically meaningful within which to conduct habitat transactions guided by conservation, protection and restoration principles.  The nearshore area of the Toronto Region is used as a case study to illustrate the eco-accounting framework and how habitat banking policies would be incorporated. 

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
habitats

3. Keyword
management

4. Additional Keyword
valuation

5. Additional Keyword
landscape