Considerations in developing a functional approach to the governance of large marine ecosystems

Interest in the management of the environment and its resources on an ecosy stem basis has been increasing, in both terrestrial and marine contexts. In recent years, the concept of the large marine ecosystem has become a point of focus at the national and international levels as a possible unit for m anagement of ocean and coastal areas. An ecosystem approach, however, chall enges the manner in which marine resources and the environment that sustain s them have been managed in the past. Governance is a key element in ecosystem management and encompasses the for mal and informal arrangements, institutions, and mores that determine how r esources and the environment are utilized. This study explores some of the problems, concepts, and principles involved in efforts to provide needed go vernance arrangements if large marine ecosystem-based management is to be i mplemented and made effective.