remote sensing and three-dimensional water column data to: · refine characterization of essential habitat; ·    provide critical parameters required by physical-biological models and enable their integration with ecosystem-based models that may be used by resource managers. 5.    Develop pilot projects for the RFMC and state agencies to use the SEACOOS results in current fisheries management plans. B. Coastal Ocean Observing Systems and Ecosystem Management Considering Ocean Observing Systems are an integral part of the transition to ecosystem management in the Southeast region a broad approach would be to identify how they can meet areas addressed in the Ecosystem Report to Congress and in the developing South Atlantic Council Fishery Ecosystem Plan.   Ecosystem Management South Atlantic Fishery and Fishery Ecosystem Plan: Development: “The Fishery Ecosystem Plan will evolve from the Council's Habitat Plan. The transition from single species management to ecosystem management will involve incremental steps to better characterize the system and understand the complex relationships among humans, harvested  fish and prey, all marine life and essential habitat and environmental characteristics of the  South Atlantic Ecosystem. This effort will provide the Council with a foundation from which to  attain a more comprehensive understanding of habitat and biology of species, fishery  information, social and economic impacts of management and ecological consequences of conservation and management. The Fishery Ecosystem Plan will specify research and monitoring needed to fully address ecosystem management.”  SAFMC Action Plan for Ecosystem-Based Management* Building on the recommendations outlined in the Ecosystem Report to Congress, the Council's Fishery Ecosystem Plan and Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment will include the following (a preliminary list of ocean observing activities which could address each activity are included to stimulate discussion with a list of additional potential target species included in the Appendix to this document): 1.    Define the ecosystem boundaries; a.  Better define current regimes and model dynamic systems (e.g., Gulf Stream and Florida Current both designated as Essential Fish Habitat - Habitat Areas of Particular Concern for multiple managed species) affecting primary production and fish production in the southeast. 2. Characterize the ecological (biological, chemical and physical), human and institutional elements of the ecosystem; Biological- a.  Define migratory pathways (inshore/offshore and north/south) from acoustic/satellite monitoring of managed species. b.  Monitor and model current systems which define larval transport and/or settlement characteristics of managed species (e.g., gag grouper) - See SAFMC Oculina Evaluation Plan ** 9