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Definitions

Adaptive Management is the rigorous combination of management, research, and monitoring to provide credible information for the modification of management activities with experience. It provides a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operational programs.

It is often portrayed as a feedback process with monitoring as a key element for evaluation of response indicators with the incorporation of findings into future decisions. In April 2004, the Department of the Interior conducted an adaptive management workshop. This workshop was designed to provide an introduction to adaptive management, including what it is, what is required to make it work, and how it can be incorporated into management actions of DOI bureaus

The Department of the Interior recently adopted the following operational definition: Adaptive management is a decision process that promotes flexible decision making that can be adjusted in the face of uncertainties as outcomes from management actions and other events become better understood. Careful monitoring of these outcomes both advances scientific understanding and helps adjust policies or operations as part of an iterative learning process. Adaptive management also recognizes the importance of natural variability in contributing to ecological resilience and productivity. It is not a 'trial and error' process, but rather emphasizes learning while doing. Adaptive management does not represent an end in itself, but rather a means to more effective decisions and enhanced benefits. Its true measure is in how well it helps meet environmental, social, and economic goals, increases scientific knowledge, and reduces tensions among stakeholders.

Additional Definitions of Adaptive Management

Environmental Compliance Monitoring is a process of oversight designed to determine conformity with environmental legal mandates, regulations, lease stipulations, and conditions of approval. Conditions of approval include mitigation measures and other requirements imposed on applicants. This process addresses MMS’ commitment to assuring environmentally sound operations through improving effectiveness of mitigation and establishing a link between pre- and post-lease analyses and project effects.

Environmental Studies and Research Monitoring involves a repeated sampling of the environment over time to: establish baseline conditions; determine natural variability; and assess changes and trends due to human activities. The MMS either conducts or requires this type of monitoring through its Environmental Studies Program to determine the extent to which activities caused by, or permitted by MMS, such as development of offshore oil and gas, sand and gravel, and methane hydrate resources affect the human, marine, and coastal environments.

Outer Continental Shelf