A review of the application of driving forces – Pressure – State – Impact – Response framework to fisheries management

This paper provides a review of the literature on applications of the Driving forces, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) framework to fisheries. The interpretation given to each DPSIR category differs in existing studies, and as a result the indicators used to support fisheries management also vary considerably. This impairs comparisons concerning the state of different fishery systems, and does not provide a common base of knowledge concerning potential management measures that can be adopted in a given context. This paper clarifies the interpretation of each DPSIR category and proposes a set of indicators that can be applied in fishery contexts. The set of indicators proposed is also classified according to sustainability dimensions. It is argued that organising the indicators according to the DPSIR framework and sustainability dimensions (ecologic, economic, social and governance) is a positive contribution to serve as a guideline for future applications to adopt standardized indicators and improve fisheries management.

► We review the literature on the application of DPSIR and PSR models to fisheries. ► The interpretation of each DPSIR category is clarified. ► The indicators describe ecological, economic, social and governance dimensions. ► A common set of indicators relevant to fisheries management is identified.