Activities under Theme 2 take place in cooperation with scientists from the Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries and the Division of Physical Oceanography. The current NOAA emphasis on rational management of fishery resources is coincident with an increasing demand for these resources often in the face of declining fish catches. Emphasis is also placed on proper management of marine protected species. Analysis has shown that there are fundamental constraints on our knowledge of fisheries systems in the context of marine ecosystems. In particular, theoretical models are mostly based on hypothesized relationships among the various components of marine ecosystems, including exploitation by humans.
Most models are under development and they have limited ability as forecasting tools.
This includes oceanographic, trophic and habitat relationships of harvested and species and marine protected species. Although initially the main focus is on the Florida and the Caribbean, these studies will be relevant to other regions as well. To develop simulation models for marine protected species, ecosystems, and fishery systems. These models will encompass stochastic relationships, multivariable interactions, non-linear dynamics and spatial processes. Procedures include those designed to develop fishery-independent indices and those designed to evaluate the performance of management in reaching all its objectives.