ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the context for risk management decision-making that is considered protective of ecological populations. Risk management and risk assessment are separate, yet interrelated, activities. Risk management refers to the activities of identifying, evaluating and selecting among alternative regulatory actions. The use of population-level ecological risk assessments (ERAs) versus organism-level ERAs depends on the risk management context. The risk management context is influenced by various local, national, and international laws, regulations, policies, narrative goals, and directives. Risk managers currently have a broad array of ERA approaches to use for managing risks at the population-level, though only one explicitly identifies population-level directive for decision-making. Risk management in Canada is also generally focused toward the protection of ecological populations, communities, and ecosystems. The Scientific Steering Committee of the European Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General published a report on risk assessment for animal populations with emphasis on wildlife.
