geonode:Large_Marine_Ecosystems Large Marine Ecosystems are regions of ocean space encompassing coastal areas from river basins and estuaries to the seaward boundaries of continental shelves and the outer margins of the major current systems. They are relatively large regions on the order of 200,000 km2 or greater, characterized by distinct: (1) bathymetry, (2) hydrography, (3) productivity, and (4) trophically dependent populations. On a global scale, 64 LMEs produce 95 percent of the world's annual marine fishery biomass yields. Within their waters, most of the global ocean pollution, overexploitation, and coastal habitat alteration occur. For 33 of the 64 LMES, studies have been conducted of the principal driving forces affecting changes in biomass yields. They have been peer- reviewed and published in ten volumes (http://www.lme.noaa.gov). Based on lessons learned from the LME case studies, a five module strategy has been developed to provide science-based information for the monitoring, assessment, and management of LMES. The modules are focused on LME: (1) productivity, (2) fish and fisheries, (3) pollution and health, (4) socioeconomics, and (5) governance. sustainability fishery environmental resources vulnerable marine ecosystems EPSG:4326 CRS:84 -180.000015258789 180.0 -85.4702835083008 82.8930358886719 other other text/xml other other other other