An exposure-response methodology for assessing the impacts of bottom-fishing gear on benthic marine ecosystems

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There is growing interest in assessing and mitigating the impacts of fishing gear on the seafloor because these habitats play an important role in maintaining fish and shellfish production. Unfortunately, major gaps still exist in our knowledge of how deep-sea ecosystems respond to different types of fishing disturbances. Failure to address these gaps may leave many Canadian bottom-fisheries at risk of losing access to important export markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia as consumers and retailers in these markets increasingly demand eco-certified seafood products. Quantitative estimates of fishing gear impacts on seafloor habitat are an important component of eco-certification assessments; however, there are no existing procedures or methods for performing these assessments, especially on Canada's west coast. We propose to develop an exposure-response approach to assessing the potential impacts of bottom-fishing gear on seafloor habitat. We will develop exposure-response models by combining spatial mapping of bottom-fishing effort intensity and habitat (the exposure) with submersible surveys of habitat-forming species density (the response). This approach provides a flexible and adaptive framework that builds the necessary information to support eco-certification of British Columbia's bottom-fisheries. In addition, a better understanding of how bottom habitat responds to fishing disturbances will help the fishing industry design operational changes that reduce or eliminate these impacts. Thus, Canada and the fishing industry will benefit from healthier ecosystems and more sustainable fisheries.