A rapid impact and vulnerability assessment approach for commercial fisheries management

摘要: Abstract Fisheries managers are faced with a paucity of both data and tools to assess the socio-economic dimensions fisheries management. However, Federal law requires consider social economic consequences management plans (i.e., Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act 1976 its amendments). Assessing potential analytical that address not only multiple species but also stakeholders sectors economy. To help meet these mandates overcome challenges their implementation we developed an approach rapidly efficiently assemble decision-relevant information. We call this rapid impact vulnerability assessment (RIVA). RIVA builds on concepts risk document causal linkages between interventions (e.g., introduction new rule) downstream consequences, whether positive or negative. illustrate application utility example from New Bedford, Massachusetts. It can identify ways individuals groups within given fishing community may be differentially impacted able respond reduce harms. Such information inform about how intervene mitigate promote forms responding do create further undesirable ecological consequences. By being sensitive agency resource constraints, framework enables gathering in contrast more traditional large-scale methods. A systematic facilitate learning long-term policy making by guiding routine social, economic, cultural identifying critical knowledge gaps uncertainties. After illustrating discuss strengths weaknesses.