WP6: Participatory ecosystem-based management strategies for shifts among pelagic-demersal resources and for coastal systems in the HUS

PI: PD Dr. Hauke Reuter (ZMT)

Welcome to WP6, in which we work with stakeholders and ecological models to identify ecosystem-based management strategies in the pelagic-demersal Humboldt Upwelling System (HUS) and the Sechura bay coastal area. In phase 2, our focus is on:

• Advancing our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and shifts through a spatial ecosystem model (Ecospace). This involves considering spatial-temporal dimensions, tracking environmental-driven distribution shifts of species, and assessing the cascading effects on fisheries.

• Evaluating the robustness of fishers' adaptation strategies in light of the different HUS-SSPs scenarios. We aim to update user-designed adaptation options, taking into account scientific information, model uncertainty, and social-ecological scenarios. The outcomes will contribute to co-designed adaptation strategies with decision-makers, feeding into the adaptation matrix.

The development of a spatial-temporal ecosystem for the HUS addresses questions of spatial displacement of species caused by global, regional, and local processes. In this task, we will be collaborating with WP2 and WP4.

We will also outline realistic ecosystem dynamics under the HUS-SSPs scenarios for both the HUS and Sechura bay coastal area, with focus on both industrial and artisanal fisheries. The task will cover 3 points:

1. Assessing robustness of previously proposed adaptation strategies,

2. updating adaptation strategies with key resource users during on-site workshops (performed with WP5 and WP7). The results will be embedded in the adaptation option matrix, and,

3. proposing co-designed adaptation options to decision makers, in coordination with WP1, WP5 and WP7.

Stay tuned for updates on our progress!