A 'sea change' in EU marine management
The Baltic, Black and Mediterranean seas and the Atlantic Ocean need to be managed in a way that considers the land, air, water and all living things. This includes people, their activities and their institutions. To enhance the scientific basis of this ʹecosystem approachʹ to sea policies, the EU is funding the ʹKnowledge-based sustainable management for Europe's seasʹ (Knowseas) project. The first step towards implementing an ecosystem approach is finding out how people view their role in the marine environment. A survey was undertaken to this end, which has already been published as a policy brief. The project is also examining the effects of extreme events on European seas, as well as ways to reduce eutrophication (an overgrowth of plants due to an oversupply of nutrients) in the Baltic. It was found that changes in the oceans are often due to climate and water temperature shifts, which may well be beyond the control of marine policies. Another focus is the effects of fishing, transport, energy for aquaculture, water quality and recreation on the seas. This information will help scientists balance the environmental costs of degradation with the economic benefits of the goods and services provided by these ecosystems. The project also identified potential conflicts and alliances between marine governance structures to smooth future policy implementation. In addition, it has developed a tool to allow stakeholders to communicate effectively with policymakers. These achievements have consolidated the EU's efforts to develop a holistic management strategy that encompasses both humans and their supporting ecosystems.
