Ramsar Convention on Wetlands - Fall

Advisor: Gary Weiskopf 

This project develops a management framework for implementing Ramsar Convention Resolution IX.4, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources in wetland ecosystems. The report focuses on the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance. Wetlands play a critical role in supporting fisheries by providing spawning grounds, nursery habitats, and nutrient-rich ecosystems that sustain aquatic biodiversity. However, wetland degradation and unsustainable fishing practices have threatened these ecosystems globally. The Ramsar Convention encourages member states to integrate fisheries management into wetland conservation strategies through research, policy development, and ecosystem-based management.

To address these challenges, the project proposes the FishMAP program, a comprehensive initiative designed to monitor fisheries, increase public awareness, and strengthen international cooperation. The program consists of three primary components: ecological monitoring of eelgrass and salinity conditions in Izembek Lagoon, collaborative salmon monitoring efforts through Mortensens Creek to promote cross-border data sharing with Canadian Ramsar sites, and educational outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness of wetland conservation. The report outlines the organizational structure, staffing needs, and budget requirements necessary to implement these activities through partnerships among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, local communities, and academic institutions. The proposed program demonstrates how Ramsar guidelines can be translated into practical management strategies that protect fisheries while maintaining the ecological integrity of wetlands.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.