Header Implementation of Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) began in April 2004 starting with seven transitional elements. These elements form the basis for operational planning and management in a voluntary realm beyond current legislation. Guidance materials and information currently informing operational planning are provided under the “Tools and Guidance” section of this site. A legal framwork for EBM is expected in 2007 with the formal designation of conservancies (i.e. Protected areas) and a suite of EBM objectives that expand implementation beyond the voluntary realm. CFCI’s annual EBM operational training courses reflect new standards that continue to evolve. These sessions, held each spring, guide planning for the subsequent field season. Full implementation of EBM that works to “concurrently achieve high degrees of ecological integrity and high degrees of human well being” is to take place by March 31 2009.