Marine ecosystem-based management as a hierarchical control system

Although many jurisdictions have embraced ecosystem-based management for the marine environment, it is unclear what this entails in terms of both theory and practical action. I examine the management of complex systems in industrial control as a source of practical guidance on how to approach the ideals of marine ecosystem management. Industrial control systems focus on objectives and outcomes, are hierarchical and localise and distribute control tasks. The principles of hierarchical control systems and focussing on ecosystem services helps overcome the conceptual difficulties with ecosystem management while retaining the idea of a holistic approach to managing human impacts.