For the four regions and 12 BBTs, available information on marine biodiversity (species and habitat distribution) was compiled and harmonised. Guidelines for valuation were prepared, and an extensive set of socio-economic interviews was collected from all regions. Results from the specific case studies are being prepared for publication, with several already published. Across the 12 BBTs, 278 stakeholders were interviewed or surveyed. Stakeholders identified Nature, Biodiversity, Economy, Large-scale Tourism and Pollution as the most important factors shaping their socio-economic and ecological environment. A clear north–south gradient was observed: in northern and southern Europe, conservation, protected areas, and iconic or exotic species were perceived as more important, while in central Europe industrial activities such as large-scale fisheries, harbour operations, infrastructure and transport were prioritised. In contrast, small-scale local economic activities (local fisheries, small-scale tourism) and socio-cultural aspects (community integrity, heritage) were considered more significant in northern and southern regions. Technical progress included drafting guidelines for assessing geochemical/physical parameters and ecosystem organisation in BBTs, developing a protocol for a habitat function metric, and preparing guidelines for ecological and economic valuation of biodiversity, societal goods and benefits. Valuation activities are ongoing across the BBTs, and initial mapping of ecosystem service priorities has been completed. The project also produced and approved the Quality Assurance/Risk Management Plan, the Data Management Plan, and the Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Strategy, all delivered to the EU Portal.
