Making ecosystem-based management operational: Integrated monitoring in Norway

Abstract

Ecosystem-based management presupposes that the state and development trends of an ecosystem - or of ecological quality - can be measured and followed. Currently, in many coastal countries there exists a variety of monitoring practices that are concerned with single issues only, and are not an integrated part of a larger framework. With the trend towards more comprehensive forms of ecosystem-based management, there is a desire to develop more integrated monitoring frameworks. This paper follows the development of such a framework for the Barents Sea-Lofoten area in Norway, which to a large extent builds upon existing practices, but also suggests additional monitoring programs. It describes how the construction of governance instrumentation for ecosystem-based management takes place. In doing so, it focuses on pollution monitoring. The paper sheds light on the ways in which the ecosystem is made readable and measurable. In addition, it offers insight into the scientific and institutional challenges in the practices towards making ecosystem-based management instrumental and operational.