Healthier seas for a healthier economy

Marine life is vital to European society and its economy. Scientists are studying outbreaks of marine species and their relationship to human activity to develop sustainable and profitable use of the seas.

Environmental and human-induced stresses have an impact on marine ecosystem goods and services. Understanding the relationships between changes in the distribution of marine fish populations and activities in sectors like transport, fisheries, renewable energy, tourism and commerce is critical to policy formation.

Scientists initiated the EU-funded 'Vectors of change in oceans and seas marine life, impact on economic sectors' (Vectors) project to develop scientific knowledge and predictive tools of ecosystem change to ensure sustainable and profitable use of the seas and oceans. Key to success is breaking down traditional boundaries between science and policymaking, science and technology, and scientific disciplines and industrial applications.

The focus is on outbreaks of invasive or indigenous species using case studies in three regional seas: the western Mediterranean, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Work began with extensive reviews of current knowledge and the creation of a repository of genetic materials to facilitate identification of invasive alien and outbreak-forming species.

Distribution models were used to identify statistical relationships between environmental data and field distribution data. Mechanistic models were used to investigate vectors of change such as temperatures and currents. Models also elucidated key determinants of fisherman behaviour such as seasonal migration patterns, maritime traffic and regulations. In addition, scientists began work on cross-sector modelling to project the future consequences of multi-sector human activity in the seas and oceans.

Already at month 18, public awareness of the presence of jellyfish and changes in marine life in the western Mediterranean was increasing through the citizen-based JellyWatch programme. The programme asks ferry passengers to report sightings of jellyfish swarms through the iMedJelly application for iPhones, iPods and iPads.

Vectors is expected to have an important socioeconomic impact for the EU. Scientific risk assessment and improved public understanding of changes in marine life due to multiple human activities should lead to sustainable and productive use of the seas and oceans.

More details can be found at the following link: http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=OFFR_TM_EN&ACTION=D&RCN=10984