Lessons learned from an ecosystem-based management approach to restoration of a California estuary

摘要: Abstract Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is the dominant paradigm, at least in theory, for coastal resource management. However, there are still relatively few case studies illustrating thorough application of principles EBM by stakeholders and decision-makers. At Elkhorn Slough, a California estuary, we launched an initiative 2004. Stakeholders collaboratively developed evaluated large-scale restoration alternatives designed to decrease two types rapid habitat change occurring erosion channels dieback salt marsh. In end, decision-makers rejected altering mouth instead opted small- medium-scale projects recommended added emphasis on reduction nutrient-loading. We describe seven challenges encountered during principles: (1) interdisciplinary collaboration difficult due differences professional culture values, (2) roles responsibilities different participants often not sufficiently clear, (3) implementing very costly time human resources, (4) ecosystem services framework may resonate with already committed biodiversity conservation, (5) conflicts arise from desired targets, (6) multiple geographic jurisdictional scales cannot be simultaneously addressed, (7) understanding drivers processes rapidly. recommend approaches overcoming each these so that our experiences one estuary can inform collaborative decision-making initiatives elsewhere.