Pathways of Effects - National Guidelines
Illustrating the links between human activity and its potential impact on aquatic ecosystems

Table of Contents

• Complete Text
• Acronym list
• List of figures
• List of tables
• Preface
• 1.0 Introduction
• 2.0 Ecosystem-based management (EBM)
• 3.0 Pathways of Effect Models
  • 3.1 Role of PoEs
  • 3.2 What is a PoE model?
  • 3.3 Benefits of a PoE model
  • 3.4 PoE design
• 4.0 Types of PoE models
  • 4.1 Holistic models
  • 4.2 Endpoint PoE models
    • 4.2.1 Species-based model
    • 4.2.2 Pressure-based model
    • 4.2.3 Socio-cultural and economic-based model
  • 4.3 Activity/action and sector-based models
    • 4.3.1 Activity or action-based models
    • 4.3.2 Sector-based models
• 5.0 PoE development
  • 5.1 PoE components
    • 5.1.1 Identification of measurable endpoints
    • 5.1.2 Identification of human activities and sub-activities
    • 5.1.3 Identification of pressures
    • 5.1.4 Identification of impacts/ environmental effects
  • 5.2 PoE validation
    • 5.2.1 Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) review process
    • 5.2.2 Social, cultural and economic PoE models review process
• 6.0 Conclusion
• Glossary
• References

6.0 CONCLUSION

Once PoE models are developed, they can lead to further steps in an ecological risk analysis, environmental assessment, or planning process. For example, a PoE can lead to:

• identification of pressure and state indicators needed for risk / environmental assessment;
• identification of scientific limits and management targets for the ‘most at risk’ ecological components/attributes; and
• identification of management gaps.

To that end, as the approach evolves and is refined, these ‘living’ guidelines will be updated accordingly. Over time, practitioners and managers will be able to access a comprehensive library of PoEs models as they are developed nationally and regionally. Once completed, these models will be available on the DFO website.