Research

Outcomes: Authors were able to quantify the effects of the invasive polychaete Marenzelleria spp on sediment nutrient cycling in the Baltic Sea. The results identified that an overall reduction in the self-cleaning capacity of the basin would create a higher cost to stakeholders to meet international commitments such as the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Outcomes: Authors calculated that 70% of Dipolydora habitat and 50% of Melinna habitat was in good ecological status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The assessment provided the baseline for future assessments and could provide ecological information for future maritime spatial plans.

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: The survey conducted for this study relied on the availability of habitat and substrate information, which EUSeaMap was able to detail. 

Outcomes:  Authors were able to map and assess the ecosystem services provided by habitats in the European North Atlantic Ocean, providing a point for further research and discussion on ecosystem services contribution of benthic habitats in Europe. 

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EUSeaMap provided a basis of EUNIS classified benthic habitats to fill in the gaps for where seabed habitats in the study area were previously unclassified.

Outcomes:  Users were able to apply a marine ecosystem services model to the Lithuanian sea to identify areas where anthropogenic impacts most greatly affected valuable fish provisioning areas and cultural coastal regions. Authors stated the information was particularly useful for regional authorities to apply an ecosystem-based management approach to marine spatial planning. 

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EMODnet provided best available and free substrate data for the Lithuanian portion of the Baltic Sea.

Outcomes:  The author was able to identify four regions of ecological significance along the Portuguese coast and assess the level of protection offered by Natura 2000 SPAs and SCIs. One of the hotspots was found to be only partially covered by the Natura 2000 sites, suggesting more quantitative-based approaches should be applied to assist management plans in safeguarding local biological value.  

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EUSeaMap provided broad-scale seabed habitat maps and biozones for the study area.

Outcomes:  Authors were able to map the potential cumulative impacts of multiple anthropogenic activities and their related stressors on the coastal and estuarine ecosystems in Danish waters of the North Sea – Baltic Sea transition zone.  Following this, authors analysed the differences in stressor contributions between offshore and inshore waters, and the relative local importance of stressors along a gradient from inner fjords to offshore waters.  It was determined that the five most significant stressors are nutrient introduction, climate anomalies, the introduction

Outcomes: Authors developed an individual-based population model to assess the sensitivity of population growth potential to thermal stress and food conditions, based on a climate projection scenario, for three bivalve species.  The results highlight the significance of process-based understanding of the response of benthic populations to rising sea temperatures, of huge importance for future planning of resource management and conservation strategies in response to environmental changes.

Outcomes: Researchers were able to assess the impacts of decommissioning marine renewable energy installations (MREI) and provide advice for future decommissioning plans. It was found that the MREI in this area supported similar assemblages to the surrounding habitats, and therefore longer-term monitoring of habitat change were required.

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EMODnet provided broad-scale habitat data for the study area.

Outcomes: Authors present a framework to assess the impacts of mobile fishing gear on the seabed and benthic ecosystems, the principles of which are applicable to all benthic habitats and trawl fisheries, and can be used across a wide range of spatial scales.

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EMODnet provided EUNIS Level 3 habitat maps across European waters.

Outcomes: Authors present a framework to assess the impacts of mobile fishing gear on the seabed and benthic ecosystems, the principles of which are applicable to all benthic habitats and trawl fisheries, and can be used across a wide range of spatial scales.

How EMODnet Seabed Habitats helped the user: EMODnet provided EUNIS Level 3 habitat maps across European waters.