Activity 2.3.1 Marine monitoring methods needed to apply MSP ecosystem approach

Abstract:

The technical report is developed within the PLASMAR project and represents one of its final outputs. The project aims to define and propose robust scientific methodologies in support of Maritime Spatial Planning and Blue Growth, taking into consideration the biogeographic characteristics of the Macaronesian Region and searching for a balance between the diverse maritime sectors and the conservation of the natural marine heritage.

Sea Basin(s):

Atlantic Ocean

Country:

Portugal

Spain

Year:

2020

Application in MSP:

Unknown effect

Sectors:

Nature protection

Scientific Research

Type of Issue:

Data

Ecosystem-based approach

Environment aspects

Type of practice:

Methodology

Study

Stage of MSP cycle:

Stocktake

Analyse spatial aspects

Cross-border / trans-national aspect:

Coherence with other processes:

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Key words:

Source / Links:

PLASMAR Consortium. 2020. Activity 2.3.1. Marine monitoring methods needed to apply MSP ecosystem approach. Technical report. Report prepared as part of PLASMAR Project (co-financed by ERDF as part of POMAC 2014-2020). 20 pp.

Questions this practice may help answer:

What are the marine monitoring methods needed to implement MSP?
What are the results of the PLASMAR project?

Implementation Context:

This document has been developed within the PLASMAR project as part of the activity 2.3.1 " Marine monitoring methods needed to apply MSP ecosystem approach“.

Aspects / Objectives:

The aim of this report is to present the results obtained within the PLASMAR project and more specifically to find the pertinent and robust monitoring methods for the marine environmental monitoring required for MSP within the Macaronesian region.

Method:

Activity 2.3.1 starts with the results obtained in Activity 2.1.1 Study ‘Finding the balance of Blue Growth Sustainable Development within Ecosystem Approach’ and Activity 2.2.1 "Analyses of data & information availability, current and potential data holders/providers, in the scope of Maritime Spatial Planning". These activities show the geographic areas and relevant monitoring programmes (based on the MSFD indicators) for maritime development, as well as the current data needs.

Main Outputs / Results:

Among the results, six developed/updated monitoring methods are presented and delivered. The idea was to increase or update spatial coverage on benthic habitats, non-indigenous species, commercial species stocks, trophic networks, seabed integrity and marine debris. In addition, it was indicated that data infrastructure developed by PLASMAR are publicly available for download, such as on benthic habitats, trophic networks and commercial stocks, and are compatible with INSPIRE standards.

Transferability:

Although this technical report was developed within the PLASMAR project for the Macaronesian region, the methodology applied can be used for similar studies in other marine regions.

Responsible Entity:

PLASMAR project, Gestión del Medio Rural de Canarias, S.A.U. (Activity coordinator).

Funding Source:

This document has been prepared as part of PLASMAR Project co-financed by ERDF as part of POMAC 2014-2020.