Past and future challenges in managing European seas
Blenckner, T.; Kannen, A.; Barausse, A.; Fischer, C.; Heymans, J.J.; Luisetti, T.; Todorova, V.; Valman, M.; Mee, L. (2015). Past and future challenges in managing European seas. Ecol. Soc. 20(1): 40. https://dx.doi.org/10.5751/es-07246-200140 In: Ecology and Society. Resilience Alliance Publications: Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. ISSN 1708-3087; e-ISSN 1708-3087, more |   |
| Keyword | | | Author keywords | ecosystem-based management; regime shifts; scenarios |
| Authors | | Top | - Blenckner, T.
- Kannen, A., more
- Barausse, A.
| - Fischer, C.
- Heymans, J.J., more
- Luisetti, T.
| - Todorova, V.
- Valman, M.
- Mee, L.
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| Abstract | Marine environments have undergone large-scale changes in recent decades as a result of multiple anthropogenic pressures, such as overfishing, eutrophication, habitat fragmentation, etc., causing often nonlinear ecosystem responses. At the same time, management institutions lack the appropriate measures to address these abrupt transformations. We focus on existing examples from social–ecological systems of European seas that can be used to inform and advise future management. Examples from the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea on long-term ecosystem changes caused by eutrophication and fisheries, as well as changes in management institutions, illustrate nonlinear dynamics in social–ecological systems. Furthermore, we present two major future challenges, i.e., climate change and energy intensification, that could further increase the potential for nonlinear changes in the near future. Practical tools to address these challenges are presented, such as ensuring learning, flexibility, and networking in decision-making processes across sectors and scales. A combination of risk analysis with a scenario-planning approach might help to identify the risks of ecosystem changes early on and may frame societal changes to inform decision-making structures to proactively prevent drastic surprises in European seas. |
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