Ecosystems Services in Marine Spatial Planning

The project is a part of the Blue Growth & Marine Planning Scheme, established under the Union Priority 6 (Integrated Maritime Policy) of Ireland’s EMFF Operational Programme. It splits into three categories and represents a part of the “Spatial Data and Evidence Projects”.

The project represents a follow up to the Data Prioritisation and Collection for Spatial Representation project. It involves data collection, collation and analytical studies for identifying, characterisation and mapping of Ireland’s marine provisioning, regulating/maintenance and cultural services. There is currently a lack of information regarding the marine ecosystem services in Ireland. The project will contribute to improving marine data and knowledge for informed MSP process. Maps on existing and potential ecosystem services will be useful to inform the costs/benefit analyses (i.e. trade-offs) of potential marine spatial planning options and sectoral growth opportunities.

Project outputs

• Characterisation of Ireland’s marine ecosystem services;
• Report on the value of natural capital, providing these ecosystem services;
• Maps of Ireland’s marine Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital;
• Identification and mapping of threats and opportunities linked to ecosystem services.

PROJECT PARTNERS

• ABPMer (IE) (Lead Partner);
• Plymouth marine Laboratory (UK);
• LUC;
• MacCabe Durney Barnes (IE);
• Matt Rayment;
• IWDG Consulting (IE);
• MERC Environmental (IE);
• Birdwatch Ireland (IE);
• Liverpool University (UK);
• Exeter University (UK).