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NOAA's Participation in WSSD — Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) |
Large marine ecosystems are areas of the ocean characterized by distinct bathymetry, hydrology, productivity and trophic interactions. Annually, LMEs produce 95 percent of the world's fish catch, thus making them the focal point of global efforts to reduce the degradation of linked watersheds, marine resources and coastal environments from pollution, habitat loss and over-fishing.
NOAA supports a new management approach to improve the long-term sustainability of LMEs—and their resources, which can best be characterized as a paradigm shift moving away from traditional management of commodities to new management practices that are focused on ensuring the sustainability of the productive potential for ecosystem goods and services. In addition to the exhibit, NOAA expert Kenneth Sherman will speak at an IUCN (World Conservation Union) event, and teach a course at the Summit Institute for Sustainable Development on LMEs.
Publication of the
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Last Updated: 8/21/02
