Seagrass ecosystem interactions with social and economic systems

gaps and key research questions which could be addressed in a continuation of this work. The work is split into three objectives. In objective one we use the DPSWR framework to define and identify key interactions between seagrass ecosystems and socioeconomic systems and consider where these interactions are relevant to policy making and decisions. For the purposes of this scoping report we identify the main pathways of loss and degradation for seagrasses in the UK from drivers, through pressures to state change. We identify the types of state change resulting from these pressures. By identifying the ecosystem services provided by seagrasses (Objective 2) and the factors regulating ecosystem function and hence the provision of these services we will be able to identify the implications of different pressures for human welfare, and examine whether standard monitoring techniques and information bases allow managers to account for these interactions. Finally, in objective 3 we explore how current institutional frameworks and policy are linked to the delivery of a range of ecosystem services by seagrass ecosystems using Rapid Policy Network Mapping (RPNM)

Do marine protected areas deliver flows of ecosystem services to support human welfare?

This paper examines the potential relationships between the ecosystem services provided by the coastal and marine environment and the designation of marine protected areas. The hypothesis is that relationships exist between the provision of ecosystem services and the features protected by marine protected areas. It is considered that protection will maintain these features in good ecological condition and in some cases will restore ecological functioning with positive effects on the delivery of ecosystem services, as pressures upon the protected features are reduced. As the number of marine protected area designations grows, system-wide effects to communities from improvements in delivery of a range of ecosystem services may be realised. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the jurisdictional marine protected area policies proposed by the English, Welsh and Scottish Governments. It presents structured assessment matrices developed from the literature and expert opinion, of ecosystem service provision by marine protected habitats and species and applies the findings to a range of existing UK marine protected areas to demonstrate its relevance. The approach and case study findings are discussed within the wider context of marine ecosystem services and marine protected area management

Linking ecosystem services of marine protected areas to benefits in human wellbeing?

This chapter examines the potential relationship between ecosystem services provided by coastal ecosystems and the design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). While all coastal and marine habitats provide a range of ecosystem services, the implementation and management of an MPA may result in improvements in the quality or supply of an ecosystem service as pressures upon protected features are minimised. This chapter focuses on the United Kingdom (UK) and examines the contrasting approaches to MPA designation applied in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We argue that MPAs are able to influence ecosystem services and this is dependent on design concepts such as the scale of the site, the listed features, and management measures. Understanding the portfolio of services derived from features within MPAs will improve planning and management, particularly in the context of making site specific or regional trade-offs over designation, or in understanding the benefits and impacts of setting conservation objectives and introducing measures to achieve them