The Future of the Great Lakes Fisheries Ecosystem - Sustainability or Collapse

Session: 12. - History of Great Lakes Fish, Fisheries & Governance: Dr. Henry Regier's Legacy

William Taylor, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Molly Good, Michigan State University, [email protected]
So-Jung Youn, Michigan State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Fish and their allied fisheries are critical components of Great Lakes ecosystems providing essential goods and services that generate social and economic benefits valued at 7 billion dollars annually. The future health of these fisheries depends largely on our willingness to strengthen the value, knowledge, and actions of society. Enhanced assessment of the value of these fisheries should motivate society to recognize the benefits of sustainable Great Lakes fisheries and ecosystem services. This is only possible through the incorporation of all sectors related to the fisheries supply chain. Furthermore, to mitigate negative impacts on fisheries ecosystems, the dimensions of the fisheries supply chain, its governance, and resilience must be incorporated into all related decision-making processes. Ignoring these factors will lead us down an irreversible path of collapse for many fisheries, fish populations, the ecosystems that support them, and the communities that depend on them. Only through an improved understanding of the requirements and benefits of healthy fish, habitats, and people will the sustainability of the Great Lakes fisheries ecosystems for current and future generations be ensured; a core lesson taught to us by Dr. Henry Regier over his lifetime of being a champion for the vitality of the Great Lakes system.

1. Keyword
fisheries

2. Keyword
Great Lakes basin

3. Keyword
management

4. Additional Keyword
governance

5. Additional Keyword
supply chain

6. Additional Keyword
sustainability