摘要：This paper presents a quantitative analytical method for measuring functional fit between aspecific ecosystem and a defined set of institutions. Functional misfits, the focus of this paper, can ariseas a result of gaps in governance—a lack of institutional provision for a socioecological system componentor link. The method measures such misfit using a similarity metric (simple matching). This provides anindication of the potential degree of system-wide fit between an ecosystem and a relevant set of institutions.A preliminary form of the approach uses the text of ocean and coastal laws and regulations to representformal institutional arrangements. This basic demonstration helps show the complex interrelationships thathave to be taken into account in a systematic evaluation of fit. Beyond the first iteration, work continueson developing the analytical capacity of the framework and, therefore, its utility to assist, for example, inpolicy transitions, including those to ecosystem-based management
关键词：ecosystem-based management; governance; institutions; marine policy; problem of fit;socioecological systems
