Hierarchical Perspectives on Marine Complexities: Searching for Systems in the Gulf of Maine

This book is the first application of hierarchy theory to the ecological workings of the Gulf of Maine and of marine ecosystems in general. Apollonio explores in detail the idea of natural constraints inherent in hierarchical ecosystems and the impact upon such systems when constraints are reduced or removed. He argues that conventional fisheries management, which practices the removal of these constraints, may be doomed to failure.