Abstract
The Working Group on the Value of Coastal Habitats for Exploited Species (WGVHES) aims to support a better understanding of the habitat needs of juvenile fish and shellfish, a key evidence-base for robust fisheries and conservation management. In 2022–2024, the working group focused on evaluating methods used to measure habitat quality in the juvenile life stage, synthesising recommendations for managing Essential Fish Habitat and examining the influence of climate change on juvenile habitat.
The group produced a major review article on methods to measure juvenile habitat quality (Ciotti et al. in review). While a large number of studies have measured juvenile habitat quality since 1970, a limited range of methods are being applied. The paper offers recommendations for how to advance insights into the function of juvenile habitats at appropriate scales.
Two working documents have been produced by the group towards preparation of papers on effective approaches to management of Essential Fish Habitats. These documents define key lessons learned and explore case studies from across the group’s international experience to advise decision makers on habitat management for exploited species.
Another key output of the group is a draft paper informing on management of juvenile habitats facing global change. This considers dynamic shifts in juveniles and their habitats due to climate change and emphasises the need to obtain long-term consistent monitoring data focusing on juveniles, identify life-cycle connection, improve habitat restoration, and support the enhancement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other measures to increase ecosystem resilience.
Overall, the WG’s products demonstrate the challenges and opportunities for understanding habitat needs of exploited coastal species, and implementing effective policy and management in a changing environment. During the next term, the WG will mine the substantial database of juvenile habitat studies to critically evaluate current practice, examine habitat restoration as a tool to support exploited species and publish recommendations for management of Essential Fish Habitat.
The group produced a major review article on methods to measure juvenile habitat quality (Ciotti et al. in review). While a large number of studies have measured juvenile habitat quality since 1970, a limited range of methods are being applied. The paper offers recommendations for how to advance insights into the function of juvenile habitats at appropriate scales.
Two working documents have been produced by the group towards preparation of papers on effective approaches to management of Essential Fish Habitats. These documents define key lessons learned and explore case studies from across the group’s international experience to advise decision makers on habitat management for exploited species.
Another key output of the group is a draft paper informing on management of juvenile habitats facing global change. This considers dynamic shifts in juveniles and their habitats due to climate change and emphasises the need to obtain long-term consistent monitoring data focusing on juveniles, identify life-cycle connection, improve habitat restoration, and support the enhancement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other measures to increase ecosystem resilience.
Overall, the WG’s products demonstrate the challenges and opportunities for understanding habitat needs of exploited coastal species, and implementing effective policy and management in a changing environment. During the next term, the WG will mine the substantial database of juvenile habitat studies to critically evaluate current practice, examine habitat restoration as a tool to support exploited species and publish recommendations for management of Essential Fish Habitat.
| Original language | English |
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| Publisher | ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
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| Volume | 7 |
| Edition | 72 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18-Jun-2025 |