The general objective of the course is to train scientists and practitioners in the FBIT methodology for assessing the impacts of disturbance (in particular bottom trawling) on invertebrate seabed communities at a (sub)regional scale. This benthic community trait-based methodology is widely used in ICES WGs and has underpinned ICES advice to the EU for use in the MSFD D6/D1.
Current sampling effort and design is unlikely to provide an empirically-based, representative picture of seabed habitat status (state-based indicators) at the whole regional scale required for MSFD/D6 assessments. As such the pressure-based FBIT methodology is seen as an useful method that can provide habitat-specific estimates, across a continuous scale, is derived from the objective analysis of ecological data, and thus has the potential use for setting ecologically meaningful and quantitative thresholds.
This modelling FBIT methodology is based on a simple ecological framework with using parameter estimates from the most robust synthesis of empirical studies, all of which have been published and peer-reviewed. The application of the method to various scientific and policy questions is being worked on by experts of the working group on Fisheries Benthic Impact and Trade-offs (WGFBIT). The course not only presents the theoretical elements but also puts theory into practice through case studies and hands-on exercises.
Specific objectives
- Understand the drivers of the sensitivity of the seabed invertebrates to bottom trawling disturbance
- Develop the ability to use the FBIT methodology to assess the regional impact of bottom trawling of the seabed
By the end of the course, the participants will be able to
- Set up a region of interest and fill it with environmental and trawling intensity layers
- Match a longevity-traits database to benthic biomass sample data
- Fit statistical models to predict the biomass~longevity relationships that form the sensitivity layer for the models
- Run the models to predict the relative benthic state for each grid cell in the region of interest by using the trawling intensity and the sensitivity layer
- Summarize the state of the benthic community by habitat type to underpin scientific advice for managers
The course provides a conceptual understanding, supported by quantitative applications that are designed to illustrate model properties. Computer programming experience will be helpful and some knowledge of R is essential.
Target audience
This workshop is aimed at scientists and practitioners who want to assess the impacts of bottom trawling on the seabed invertebrate community on a (sub)regional scale.
