Linkage Frameworks: An Exploration Tool for Complex Systems in Ecosystem-Based Management

Abstract

A key barrier to achieving Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) is dealing with complexity of social-ecological systems (SES). SES incorporate ecological, social and economic factors that interact within and between each other. Carrying out quantitative analyses to aid decision making in these systems is often too complex and/or limited by data. We describe a complementary approach, the use of Linkage Frameworks, that can be used to explore EBM. Linkage frameworks are essentially networks of elements or nodes found in a system, with links representing the interactions between those nodes. In an EBM context, nodes might include human activities, their pressures, biodiversity components, the ecosystem services supplied in that ecosystem, and the users or beneficiaries of the activities and services supported. Interactions could highlight, for example, which activities introduce which pressures, which biodiversity components are linked to which human activities through their pressures, and which ecosystem services are supplied by each biodiversity component. This approach can help to structure systems conceptually, allowing consideration of complex systems in decision making and facilitating communication between, for example, scientists, ecosystem managers and stakeholders. We discuss the strengths, assumptions and limitations of the tool, drawing on examples from aquatic ecosystems across Europe. Lessons Learned • Although dealing with the complexity of SESs can be challenging, there are advantages to persevering. We show, using a linkage framework approach, that retaining the complexity of the system in analyses to inform decision making, can provide different perspectives on EBM questions. • Linkage Frameworks are specified for specific systems and specific issues or problems. It is important that users are aware of this as the specification will affect the understanding of the system.

Integrated ecosystem analysis in Irish waters; Providing the context for ecosystem-based fisheries management

“…A 'linkage framework' (White et al, 2013) and 'pressure assessment' (Robinson et al, 2013) were produced as outputs from the assessments. The linkage framework was built by identifying 'links' between elements of the framework, e.g.…”

“…Therefore, an assessment review was carried out in 2015/2016, using the updated ODEMM guidelines (Robinson et al, 2014;and references therein), and in consultation with one of the original ODEMM team (Dr. Antony Knights). This review and crosscheck process, a common and essential feature of such assessments (Robinson et al, 2013) flagged inconsistencies in particular areas, such as benthic habitats and in relation to the 'contaminants' pressures (i.e. 'synthetic compounds', 'non-synthetic compounds', and 'organic inputs').…”

An integrated conceptual model to characterize the effects of offshore wind farms on ecosystem services

“…We propose a generic and qualitative approach to study the impacts of OWFs on ESs by developing a new conceptual model as a linkage framework (Robinson and Culhane, 2020). The linkage framework encapsulates networks of elements or nodes of a system, associated with links representing the interactions between these nodes.…”

Under Pressure: an integrated assessment of human activities and their potential impact on the ecosystem components of the Southern Brazilian continental shelf

“…Each cell in the matrix describes the potential for impact on an ecological component from a sector, wherein the pressure is the mechanism through which a direct impact occurs, the so-called linkage chain 30 . In this stage, the connections among sectors, pressures, and ecological components that are regionally relevant and current are highlighted 32,33 . The list of sectors, pressures and ecological components identi ed is presented in Table 1.…”