Advancing global ecosystem-based management

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is advancing globally despite persistent challenges, with progress evidenced by increased operational focus, broader interdisciplinary application, and multi-scale implementation from local bays to international levels; however, key impediments including stakeholder engagement, governance support, and understanding remain, which can be addressed through innovative solutions such as developing business cases to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and employing marketing strategies to increase awareness and public engagement, alongside a comprehensive four-category framework (sector performance, marine ecosystem status, management/tradeoffs, and human dimensions) for assessing EBM success.