The MAES pilot on marine ecosystems:

conceptual approach and initial steps

Francesca Somma
Chiara Piroddi

EC Joint Research Centre

Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) in the marine environment
DG ENV Brussels - 19 June 2013
Six thematic pilots to test the framework
SCOPE: The objective of the pilots is to identify available
knowledge that can be used to map marine ecosystems and
assess their condition and the services they provide.

WHAT: Each pilot will examine and report data needs to complete
the ecosystem assessments

WHO: Each pilot is led by a Member State and an EC service and

draws on the active contributions of EU and MS working
together.

WHEN: Final delivery by September 18th (VI WG MAES meeting)

 1 2 3 4 5 6
Nature Agriculture Forest Freshwater Marine Natural Capital
Accounting

EU Lead ENV JRC JRC JRC JRC EEA

MS Lead LT BE SE FR FR BG
PT
EU members EEA EEA EEA EEA EEA ENV
JRC ENV ENV ENV ENV ESTAT RTD
AGRI AGRI MARE AGRI
ESTAT RTD

MS members BG AT AT AT EE DE
EE BE BE EE PT EE
FI DE BG UK BE FR
HU FR FI UK PT
HU FR SK
SK LT UK
UK
Stakeholders CEEweb ELO ELO WWF Coastwatch WWF
FACE FACE Oceana
Forest
Europe
WWF
 ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK:

Typology of ecosystems.
Refinement of the
EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline
(EEA 2012)

4
ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK:
COMMON FRAMEWORK:

1. Map the concerned ecosystem;

2. Assess the condition of this ecosystem;

3. Quantify the ecosystem services provided by this ecosystem;

4. Integrated ecosystem assessment

MAES MATRIX:
MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
COASTAL WATERS SHELF WATERS OPEN OCEAN
Indicators DataWATERS
sources, proxies, Constraints, Indicators Data sources, proxies, Constraints, Indicators Data sources, proxies, Constraints, Indicators Data sources, proxies, Constraints,

MAES Matrix models data/knowledge gaps models data/knowledge gaps models data/knowledge gaps models data/knowledge gaps

Land Cover Classes CLC2006 Bathymetry BODC (British Bathymetry BODC (British Bathymetry BODC (British
Oceanographic Data Oceanographic Data Oceanographic Data
Centre), 2009. The Centre), 2009. The Centre), 2009. The
GEBCO 08 Grid, GEBCO 08 Grid, GEBCO 08 Grid,

Ecosystem mapping____ Version

20091120, Resolution
of 30 arc-seconds,
Available at:
Version
20091120, Resolution
of 30 arc-seconds,
Available at:
Version
20091120, Resolution
of 30 arc-seconds,
Available at:
http://www.gebco.ne http://www.gebco.ne http://www.gebco.ne
t t t
Ecosystem assessment (status)____
Ecosystem biodiversity assessment (status)____
Section Division Group Class Examples
This column lists This column divides section The group level splits division
The class level provides a further sub-division of group
the three main categories into main types categories by biological,
categories into biological or material outputs and bio- Note: this section is not complete and for illustrative purposes only. Key
categories of of output or process. physical or cultural type or
physical and cultural processes that can be linked back to components could change by region or ecosystem.
ecosystem process.
concrete identifiable service sources.
services
Nutrition Biomass Cultivated crops Cereals (e.g. wheat, rye, barely), vegetables, fruits etc. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Provisioning

Reared animals and their outputs Meat, dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), honey etc.
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Wild plants, algae and their outputs Wild berries, fruits, mushrooms, water cress, salicornia (saltwort or samphire);
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
seaweed (e.g. Palmaria palmata = dulse, dillisk) for food
Wild animals and their outputs Game, freshwater fish (trout, eel etc.), marine fish (plaice, sea bass etc.) and
shellfish (i.e. crustaceans, molluscs), as well as equinoderms or honey harvested
from wild populations; Includes commercial and subsistence fishing and hunting
for food
Plants and algae from in-situ aquaculture In situ seaweed farming N/A N/A N/A
Animals from in-situ aquaculture In-situ farming of freshwater (e.g. trout) and marine fish (e.g. salmon, tuna) also in
N/A N/A N/A
floating cages; shellfish aquaculture (e.g. oysters or crustaceans) in e.g. poles
Water Surface water for drinking Collected precipitation, abstracted surface water from rivers, lakes and other open
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
water bodies for drinking, water from desalination plants at sea.
Ground water for drinking Freshwater abstracted from (non-fossil) groundwater layers or via ground water
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
desalination for drinking.
Materials Biomass Fibres and other materials from plants, algae and animals for Fibres, wood, timber, sponges, corals, shells, and other products, which are not
direct use or processing further processed; chemicals extracted or synthesised from algae, seaweeds (agar,
alginate, carrageenan) and animals such as whale oil, resin, soap (from bones),
natural remedies and medicines (e.g. squalene, chondritin from sharks), dyes and
colours, ambergris (from sperm whales used in perfumes); Includes consumptive
ornamental uses.
Materials from plants, algae and animals for agricultural use Plant, algae and animal material for acquaculture feed in aquaculture or fertilizer
in agriculture (e.g. kelp as fertilizer).
Genetic materials from all biota Genetic material (DNA) from wild plants, algae and animals for biochemical
industrial and pharmaceutical processes e.g. medicines, fermentation,
detoxification; bio-prospecting activities e.g. wild species used in breeding
programmes etc.
Water Surface water for non-drinking purposes Industrial use (processes and cooling), irrigation, inland aquaculture of marine
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
species.
Ground water for non-drinking purposes N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Energy Biomass-based energy sources Plant-based resources Wood fuel, straw, energy plants, crops and algae for burning and energy production
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Animal-based resources Dung, fat, oils, cadavers from land, water and marine animals for burning and
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
energy production
Mechanical energy Animal-based energy Physical labour provided by animals (horses, elephants etc.) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Mediation of waste, toxics Mediation by biota Bio-remediation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and Bio-chemical detoxification/decomposition/mineralisation in land/soil, freshwater
Regulation & Maintenance

and other nuisances animals and marine systems including sediments; decomposition/detoxification of waste
and toxic materials e.g. waste water cleaning, degrading oil spills by marine
bacteria, (phyto)degradation, (rhizo)degradation etc.

Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by micro- Biological filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation of pollutants in land/soil,

organisms, algae, plants, and animals freshwater and marine biota (e.g. by filter-feeders), adsorption and binding of
heavy metals and organic compounds in biota
Mediation by ecosystems Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by Bio-physicochemical filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation of pollutants
ecosystems in land/soil, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including sediments; adsorption
and binding of heavy metals and organic compounds in ecosystems (combination
of biotic and abiotic factors)
Dilution by atmosphere, freshwater and marine ecosystems Bio-physico-chemical dilution of gases, fluids and solid waste, wastewater in
atmosphere, lakes, rivers, sea and sediments
Mediation of smell/noise/visual impacts Visual screening of transport corridors e.g. by trees; Green infrastructure to reduce
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
noise and smells
Mediation of flows Mass flows Mass stabilisation and control of erosion rates Erosion / landslide / gravity flow protection; vegetation cover
protecting/stabilising terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, coastal wetlands,
dunes; vegetation on slopes also preventing avalanches (snow, rock), erosion N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
protection of coasts and sediments by mangroves, sea grass, macroalgae, etc.

Buffering and attenuation of mass flows Transport and storage of sediment by rivers, lakes, sea
Liquid flows Hydrological cycle and water flow maintenance Capacity of maintaining baseline flows for water supply and discharge; e.g.
fostering groundwater; recharge by appropriate land coverage that captures N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
effective rainfall; includes drought and water scarcity aspects.
Flood protection Flood protection by appropriate land coverage; coastal flood prevention by
mangroves, sea grass, macroalgae, etc. (supplementary to coastal protection by N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
wetlands, dunes)
Gaseous / air flows Storm protection Natural or planted vegetation that serves as shelter belts N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Ventilation and transpiration Natural or planted vegetation that enables air ventilation N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maintenance of physical, Lifecycle maintenance, habitat Pollination and seed dispersal Pollination by bees and other insects; seed dispersal by insects, birds and other
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
chemical, biological and gene pool protection animals
conditions Maintaining nursery populations and habitats Habitats for plant and animal nursery and reproduction e.g. seagrasses,
microstructures of rivers etc.
Pest and disease control Pest control Pest and disease control including invasive alien species
Disease control In cultivated and natural ecosystems and human populations
Soil formation and composition Weathering processes Maintenance of bio-geochemical conditions of soils including fertility, nutrient
storage, or soil structure; includes biological, chemical, physical weathering and
pedogenesis.
Decomposition and fixing processes Maintenance of bio-geochemical conditions of seafloor structure/soils by
decomposition/mineralisation of dead organic material, nitrification,
denitrification etc.), N-fixing and other bio-geochemical processes;
Water conditions Chemical condition of freshwaters Maintenance / buffering of chemical composition of freshwater column and
sediment to ensure favourable living conditions for biota e.g. by denitrification, re- N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
mobilisation/re-mineralisation of phosphorous, etc.
Chemical condition of salt waters Maintenance / buffering of chemical composition of seawater column and
sediment to ensure favourable living conditions for biota e.g. by denitrification, re-
mobilisation/re-mineralisation of phosphorous, etc.
Atmospheric composition and Global climate regulation by reduction of greenhouse gas Capacity of maintaining baseline flows for water supply and discharge; e.g.
climate regulation concentrations fostering groundwater; recharge by appropriate land coverage that captures
effective rainfall; includes drought and water scarcity aspects.
Micro and regional climate regulation Modifying temperature, humidity, wind fields; maintenance of rural and urban
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
climate and air quality and regional precipitation/temperature patterns
Physical and intellectual Physical and experiential Experiential use of plants, animals and land-/seascapes in In-situ whale, seal and bird watching, snorkelling, diving etc.
Cultural

interactions with biota, interactions different environmental settings

ecosystems, and land- Physical use of land-/seascapes in different environmental Walking, hiking, climbing, swimming, boating, leisure fishing (angling) and leisure
/seascapes [environmental settings hunting
settings] Intellectual and representative Scientific Subject matter for research both on location and via other media (e.g. Isles of Scilly
interactions as pristine location for research).
Educational Subject matter of education both on location and via other media (e.g. Isles of
Scilly as pristine location for research).
Heritage, cultural Historic records, cultural heritage e.g. preserved in water bodies and soils (coastal
communities whose identity and cultural is strictly linked to the marine
environments).
Entertainment Ex-situ viewing/experience of natural world through different media
Aesthetic Sense of place, artistic representations of nature
Spiritual, symbolic and Spiritual and/or emblematic Symbolic Emblematic plants and animals e.g. national symbols such as American eagle,
other interactions with British rose, Welsh daffodil
biota, ecosystems, and land- Sacred and/or religious Spiritual, ritual identity e.g. 'dream paths' of native Australians, holy places; sacred
/seascapes [environmental plants and animals and their parts
settings] Other cultural outputs Existence Enjoyment provided by wild species, wilderness, ecosystems, land-/seascapes

Bequest Willingness to preserve plants, animals, ecoystems, land-/seascapes for the

experience and use of future generations; moral/ethical perspective or belief
COMMON FRAME MAES MATRIX

1. Map the concerned ecosystem;

2. Assess the condition of this ecosystem;

MARINE INLETS AND

COASTAL WATERS SHELF WATERS OPEN OCEAN
TRANSITIONAL WATERS
Indicators Data sources, proxies, Indicators Data sources, proxies, Indicators Data sources, proxies, Indicators Data sources, proxies,
models models models models

Ecosystem mapping

Ecosystem assessment (status)

Ecosystem biodiversity assessment (status)

 COMMON FRAME MAES MATRIX

1. Map the concerned ecosystem;

2. Assess the condition of this ecosystem;

MARINE INLETS AND

COASTAL WATERS SHELF WATERS OPEN OCEAN
TRANSITIONAL WATERS
Indicators Data sources, Indicators Data sources, Indicators Data sources, Indicators Data sources,
proxies, models proxies, models proxies, models proxies, models
Land Cover Classes CLC2006 Bathymetry BODC (British Bathymetry BODC (British Bathymetry BODC (British
Oceanographic Data Oceanographic Data Oceanographic Data
Centre), 2009. The Centre), 2009. The Centre), 2009. The
GEBCO 08 Grid, GEBCO 08 Grid, GEBCO 08 Grid,
Version Version Version
20091120, Resolution 20091120, Resolution 20091120, Resolution
of 30 arc-seconds, of 30 arc-seconds, of 30 arc-seconds,
Ecosystem mapping Available at: Available at: Available at:
http://www.gebco.ne http://www.gebco.ne http://www.gebco.ne
t t t

Ecosystem assessment (status)

Ecosystem biodiversity assessment (status)

COMMON FRAME MAES MATRIX

3. Quantify the ecosystem services provided by this

ecosystem;

MAES Matrix
[C] = CAPACITY [F] = FLOW [B] = BENEFIT
Section Division Group Class Class type Examples
Wild animals and Animals by Game, freshwater fish (trout,
their outputs amount, type eel etc.), marine fish (plaice, sea
bass etc.) and shellfish (i.e.
crustaceans, molluscs), as well
as echinoderms or honey
harvested from wild
populations; Includes
commercial and subsistence
fishing and hunting for food
MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
WATERS
Indicators
1) Fish abundance [C]
2) Commercial and artisanal
fish and shellfish landing (t/a)
[F]
3) Fish and shellfish sales
(/a) [B] JRC-DCF (c)
Data sources, proxies, models
1) PANGAEA (GBIF) (a), OBIS (b),
SEALIFEBASE (c), DG MARE Medits
surveys (Mediterranean) (d),
EASIN-JRC
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
(/a) [B]
3) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b)
COASTAL WATERS
Indicators
1) Fish abundance [C]
2) Commercial and artisanal
fish and shellfish landing (t/a)
[F]
3) Fish and shellfish sales
(b), JRC-DCF (c)
4) Fishing fleet (total engine
power
Data sources, proxies, models
1) PANGAEA (GBIF) (a), OBIS
(b), SEALIFEBASE (c), DG MARE
Medits surveys
(Mediterranean) (d), EASIN-JRC
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
3) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), JRC-DCF (c)

Nutrition Biomass

Plants and algae Plants, algae by In situ seaweed farming 1) Harversted cultured 1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b), 1) Harversted cultured 1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
from in-situ amount, type seaweed (t/a) [F] DG MARE (d) seaweed (t/a) [F] (b), DG MARE (d)
aquaculture 2) Cultured seaweed sales 2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b), 2) Cultured seaweed sales 2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(/a) [B] DG MARE (d) (/a) [B] (b), DG MARE (d)

Animals from in- Animals by In-situ farming of freshwater 1) Harvested fish and 1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b), 1) Harvested fish and 1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
situ aquaculture amount, type (e.g. trout) and marine fish (e.g. shellfish (t/y) [F] DG MARE (d) shellfish (t/y) [F] (b), DG MARE (d)
Provisioning salmon, tuna) also in floating 2) Fish and shellfish sales 2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b), 2) Fish and shellfish sales 2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
cages; shellfish aquaculture (/y) [B] DG MARE (d) (/y) [B] (b), DG MARE (d)
(e.g. oysters or crustaceans) in
e.g. poles

Fibres and other Material by Fibres, wood, timber, sponges,
materials from amount, type, corals, pearls, shells, and other
plants, algae and use, media ( products, which are not further
animals for direct marine) processed; chemicals extracted
use or processing or synthesised from algae,
seaweeds (agar, alginate,
carrageenan) and animals such
as whale oil, resin, soap (from
bones), natural remedies and
medicines (e.g. squalene,
Materials Biomass
chondritin from sharks), dyes
and colours, ambergris (from
sperm whales used in
Materials from perfumes);
Plant, algae Includes
and animal material
plants, algae and for acquaculture feed in
animals for aquaculture or fertilizer in
agricultural use agriculture (e.g. kelp/seagrass
as fertilizer, forage fish for
fishmeal).
1) Abundance/biomass (t/a) 2) FAO Statistics, 3) FAO Statistics 1) Abundance/biomass (t/a) 2) FAO Statistics, 3) FAO
[C], 2)Commercial and [C], 2)Commercial and Statistics
artisanal landing (t/a) [F], 3) artisanal landing (t/a) [F], 3)
Net present values of drugs Net present values of drugs
from marine organisms (/a), from marine organisms (/a),
Market value of raw Market value of raw
materials: ornamental, Net materials: ornamental, Net
value added of raw value added of raw materials:
materials: seaweed, fish oil, seaweed, fish oil, ornamental
ornamental (/a) [B] (/a) [B]
1) Abundance/biomass (t/a) 1) Abundance/biomass (t/a)
[C], [C],
2) Commerical and/or 2) Commerical and/or
artisanal landings (t/a) [F], 3) artisanal landings (t/a) [F], 3)
Market value of seaweed, Market value of seaweed,
fishmeal (/a) [B] fishmeal (/a) [B]

= BENEFIT
Examples
Game, freshwater fish (trout,
eel etc.), marine fish (plaice, sea
bass etc.) and shellfish (i.e.
crustaceans, molluscs), as well
as echinoderms or honey
harvested from wild
populations; Includes
commercial and subsistence
fishing and hunting for food
In situ seaweed farming
In-situ farming of freshwater
(e.g. trout) and marine fish (e.g.
salmon, tuna) also in floating
cages; shellfish aquaculture
(e.g. oysters or crustaceans) in
e.g. poles
MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
WATERS
Indicators
1) Fish abundance [C]
2) Commercial and artisanal
fish and shellfish landing (t/a)
[F]
3) Fish and shellfish sales
(/a) [B]
1) Harversted cultured
seaweed (t/a) [F]
2) Cultured seaweed sales
(/a) [B]
1) Harvested fish and
shellfish (t/y) [F]
2) Fish and shellfish sales
(/y) [B]
Data sources, proxies, models
1) PANGAEA (GBIF) (a), OBIS (b),
SEALIFEBASE (c), DG MARE Medits
surveys (Mediterranean) (d),
EASIN-JRC
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
JRC-DCF (c)
3) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b)
1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
DG MARE (d)
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
DG MARE (d)
1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
DG MARE (d)
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b),
DG MARE (d)
COASTAL WATERS
Indicators
1) Fish abundance [C]
2) Commercial and artisanal
fish and shellfish landing (t/a)
[F]
3) Fish and shellfish sales
(/a) [B]
4) Fishing fleet (total engine
power
1) Harversted cultured
seaweed (t/a) [F]
2) Cultured seaweed sales
(/a) [B]
1) Harvested fish and
shellfish (t/y) [F]
2) Fish and shellfish sales
(/y) [B]
Data sources, proxies, models
1) PANGAEA (GBIF) (a), OBIS
(b), SEALIFEBASE (c), DG MARE
Medits surveys
(Mediterranean) (d), EASIN-JRC
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), JRC-DCF (c)
3) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), JRC-DCF (c)
1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), DG MARE (d)
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), DG MARE (d)
1) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), DG MARE (d)
2) FAO Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT
(b), DG MARE (d)
 MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
MAES Matrix WATERS
COASTAL WATERS
Indicators Data sources, proxies, models Indicators Data sources, proxies, models
[C] = CAPACITY [F] = FLOW [B] = BENEFIT
Section Division Group Class Class type Examples
Bio-remediation By amount, type, Bio-chemical 1) Nutrient and heavy metal 1) Satellite-derived phytoplankton 1) Nutrient and heavy metal 1) Satellite-derived
by micro- use, media (land, detoxification/decomposition/ 3 chlorophyll-a concentration and 3 phytoplankton chlorophyll-a
concentration (mg/m ) [C] concentration (mg/m ) [C]
organisms, algae, soil, freshwater, mineralisation in land/soil, 2) Nutrient and heavy metal primary productivity (EMIS 2) Nutrient and heavy metal concentration and primary
plants, and marine) freshwater and marine systems removal (t/a) [F] database) (a), Heavy metals and removal (t/a) [F] productivity (EMIS database)
Mediation of
Mediation by animals including sediments; 3) Replacement cost for organic pollutants concentration 3) Replacement cost for (a), Heavy metals and organic
waste, toxics decomposition/detoxification treatment of waste (/a) [B] (EMEP database) (b) treatment of waste (/a) [B] pollutants concentration
biota
and other of waste and toxic materials (EMEP database) (b)
nuisances e.g. waste water cleaning,
degrading oil spills by marine
bacteria, (phyto)degradation,
(rhizo)degradation etc.

Erosion / landslide / gravity 1) Indices based on extent of Composite indices (e) 1) Indices based on extent of Composite indices (e)
flow protection; vegetation selected emerged, selected emerged,
cover protecting/stabilising submerged and intertidal submerged and intertidal
terrestrial, coastal and marine habitats (seagrass/seaweed habitats (seagrass/seaweed
ecosystems, coastal wetlands, cover (%), vegetation cover cover (%), vegetation cover
dunes; vegetation on slopes and properties (density, and properties (density,
also preventing avalanches stiffness, height)), coastline stiffness, height)), coastline
(snow, rock), erosion protection slope and coastal slope and coastal
of coasts and sediments by geomorphology [C] geomorphology [C]
mangroves, sea grass, 2) Indices based on wave 2) Indices based on wave
macroalgae, etc. regime, tidal range, relataive regime, tidal range, relataive
sea level, storm surge [F] sea level, storm surge [F]
Mediation of Mass stabilisation By reduction in 3) Indices based on 3) Indices based on
flows Mass flows and control of risk, area population density, population density,
erosion rates protected infrastructure, artificial infrastructure, artificial
surface, Unesco sites, surface, Unesco sites,
replacement cost for replacement cost for
damaged infrastructures, damaged infrastructures,
Regulation & avoided cost for shoreline avoided cost for shoreline
Maintenance protection, avoided loss of protection, avoided loss of
human lives (/ha, /a) [B] human lives (/ha, /a) [B]

Habitats for plant and animal 1) Submerged and intertidal 1) Mediseh (a), EUSeaMap (b), 1) Submerged and intertidal 1) Mediseh (a), EUSeaMap (b),
nursery and reproduction e.g. habitats (seagrass/seaweed MeshAtlantic (c), 3) FAO Fishstat habitats (seagrass/seaweed MeshAtlantic (c), 3) FAO
seagrasses, microstructures of cover (%), abundance, (a), EUROSTAT (b) cover (%), abundance, Fishstat (a), EUROSTAT (b)
rivers, fish spawning and condition, oyster reef cover condition, oyster reef cover
recruitment grounds etc. (%), condition), connectivity, (%), condition), connectivity,
diversity, trophic diversity, trophic
composition, oxygen composition, oxygen
concentration, turbidity, concentration, turbidity,
species distribution, species distribution,
Maintenance Lifecycle abundance and rishness - at abundance and rishness - at
Maintaining age [C] age [C]
of physical, maintenance,
nursery By amount and 2) Juvenile fish density 2) Juvenile fish density
chemical, habitat and
populations and source 2 2
biological gene pool (abundance/m ), foraging (abundance/m ), foraging
habitats
conditions protection efficiency for fish, efficiency for fish,
recruitment [F] recruitment [F]
3) Value of ES or habitat 3) Value of ES or habitat
based on benefit trasfer (/a, based on benefit trasfer (/a,
/ha/a), regional GDP, price /ha/a), regional GDP, price
of commercial fish species [B] of commercial fish species [B]

Examples
Erosion / landslide / gravity
flow protection; vegetation
cover protecting/stabilising
terrestrial, coastal and marine
ecosystems, coastal wetlands,
dunes; vegetation on slopes
also preventing avalanches
(snow, rock), erosion protection
of coasts and sediments by
mangroves, sea grass,
macroalgae, etc.
MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
WATERS
Indicators
1) Indices based on extent of Composite indices (e)
selected emerged,
submerged and intertidal
habitats (seagrass/seaweed
cover (%), vegetation cover
and properties (density,
stiffness, height)), coastline
slope and coastal
geomorphology [C]
2) Indices based on wave
regime, tidal range, relataive
sea level, storm surge [F]
3) Indices based on
population density,
infrastructure, artificial
surface, Unesco sites,
replacement cost for
damaged infrastructures,
avoided cost for shoreline
protection, avoided loss of
human lives (/ha, /a) [B]
COASTAL WATERS
Data sources, proxies, models Indicators Data sources, proxies, models
1) Indices based on extent of Composite indices (e)
selected emerged,
submerged and intertidal
habitats (seagrass/seaweed
cover (%), vegetation cover
and properties (density,
stiffness, height)), coastline
slope and coastal
geomorphology [C]
2) Indices based on wave
regime, tidal range, relataive
sea level, storm surge [F]
3) Indices based on
population density,
infrastructure, artificial
surface, Unesco sites,
replacement cost for
damaged infrastructures,
avoided cost for shoreline
protection, avoided loss of
human lives (/ha, /a) [B]
 MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
MAES Matrix WATERS
COASTAL WATERS
Indicators Data sources, proxies, models Indicators Data sources, proxies, models
[C] = CAPACITY [F] = FLOW [B] = BENEFIT
Section Division Group Class Class type Examples
In-situ fish, whale, seal and bird 1) Extent of marine protected 1) WCMC database (a), SealifeBase 1) Extent of marine protected 1) WCMC database (a),
watching, snorkelling, diving areas (km2) (a), presence of (b), FishBase (c), 2) EUROSTAT (a), areas (km2) (a), presence of SealifeBase (b), FishBase (c), 2)
etc. iconic species (b) [C]. FERU-UBC database on marine iconic species (b) [C]. EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC
2) Whale watching, possibility recreation activities (mainly whale 2) Whale watching, possibility database on marine recreation
of snorkeling, swimming, watching) in regards to yearly of snorkeling, swimming, activities (mainly whale
boating activities, annual participation rate in the activity (% boating activities, annual watching) in regards to yearly
number of recreation trips of country population) (b) 3) number of recreation trips participation rate in the activity
[F]. EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC database [F]. (% of country population) (b)
3) Willingness to pay (a) on marine recreation activities 3) Willingness to pay (a) 3) EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC
Importance and specificity of (mainly whale watching) in regards Importance and specificity of database on marine recreation
Experiential use of
aesthetic values based on to yearly total expenditures aesthetic values based on activities (mainly whale
plants, animals
expert knowledge (b) [B]. generated (USD), and employment expert knowledge (b) [B]. watching) in regards to yearly
Physical and and land- By visits/use data,
supported (full-time equivalents) total expenditures generated
experiential /seascapes in plants, animals,
(b) (USD), and employment
interactions different ecosystem type
supported (full-time
environmental
equivalents) (b)
settings
Physical and
intellectual
interactions
with biota,
Cultural ecosystems,
and land-
/seascapes
[environmenta
l settings]
Physical use of Walking, hiking, climbing, 1) Marine protected areas 1) EEA (a), WCMC (b) [C] 2) 2) 1) Marine protected areas 1) EEA (a), WCMC (b) [C] 2) 2)
land-/seascapes in swimming, boating, coverage (a) [C], 2) EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC database coverage (a) [C], 2) EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC
different recreational fishing (angling) Recreational fishing activities on marine recreation activities Recreational fishing activities database on marine recreation
environmental and leisure hunting (t/a) and yearly participation (mainly recreational fishing (t/a), yearly participation rate activities (mainly recreational
settings rate in recreational activity (% activities) in regards to yearly in the activity (% of country fishing activities) in regards to
of country population) [F], 3) participation rate in the activity (% population) [F], 3) yearly participation rate in the
Employment rate, of country population) (b), 3) Employment rate, activity (% of country
Importance and specificity of EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC database Importance and specificity of population) (b), 3) EUROSTAT
aesthetic values based on on marine recreation activities in aesthetic values based on (a), FERU-UBC database on
expert knowledge [B] regards to yearly total expert knowledge [B] marine recreation activities in
expenditures generated (USD), and regards to yearly total
employment supported (full-time expenditures generated (USD),
equivalents) (b) and employment supported
(full-time equivalents) (b)
 MARINE INLETS AND TRANSITIONAL
WATERS
Indicators
Examples
In-situ fish, whale, seal and bird 1) Extent of marine protected
watching, snorkelling, diving areas (km2) (a), presence of
etc. iconic species (b) [C].
2) Whale watching, possibility
of snorkeling, swimming,
boating activities, annual
number of recreation trips
[F].
3) Willingness to pay (a)
Importance and specificity of
aesthetic values based on
expert knowledge (b) [B].
Data sources, proxies, models
1) WCMC database (a), SealifeBase
(b), FishBase (c), 2) EUROSTAT (a),
FERU-UBC database on marine
recreation activities (mainly whale
watching) in regards to yearly
participation rate in the activity (%
of country population) (b) 3)
EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC database
on marine recreation activities
(mainly whale watching) in regards
to yearly total expenditures
generated (USD), and employment
supported (full-time equivalents)
(b)
COASTAL WATERS
Indicators
1) Extent of marine protected
areas (km2) (a), presence of
iconic species (b) [C].
2) Whale watching, possibility
of snorkeling, swimming,
boating activities, annual
number of recreation trips
[F].
3) Willingness to pay (a)
Importance and specificity of
aesthetic values based on
expert knowledge (b) [B].
Data sources, proxies, models
1) WCMC database (a),
SealifeBase (b), FishBase (c), 2)
EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC
database on marine recreation
activities (mainly whale
watching) in regards to yearly
participation rate in the activity
(% of country population) (b)
3) EUROSTAT (a), FERU-UBC
database on marine recreation
activities (mainly whale
watching) in regards to yearly
total expenditures generated
(USD), and employment
supported (full-time
equivalents) (b)
 Current status and future prospects for the assessment of
marine and coastal ecosystem services: a systematic
review
Review existing literature on MCES: 567 papers
Of those, 145 papers with relevant information on MCES were examined

1st Phase
Papers perspective: and habitat analyzed:
Environmental Coastal
Economic Coastal and Marine
Social and Marine
Various of the above Terrestrial and Marine
Types of assessment:
Quantitative
Mapping
Qualitative
Conceptual
Various

Liquete et al. Plos One. in press

2nd Phase

Of those 145 papers examining type of ecosystem services assessed

and the indicators associated to it

18
Liquete et al. in press
 Results
488 Indicators
No. indicators
MCES Capacity Flow Benefit
Food provision 25 27 51
Water 0 3 4
Biotic materials and
biofuels 2 10 19
Water purification 22 20 12
Air quality regulation 0 1 0
Coastal protection 16 7 30
Climate regulation 14 10 10
Weather regulation 0 0 0
Ocean nourishment 11 4 3
Life cycle maintenance 27 8 15
Biological regulation 0 3 1
Symbolic and aesthetic
values 0 4 12
Recreation and tourism 5 11 36
Cognitive effects 1 3 8
All MCES together 18 0 23

Liquete et al. in press

Results: S3 Table
488 Indicators
No. indicators
MCES Capacity Flow Benefit
Food provision 25 27 51
Water 0 3 4
Biotic materials and
MCES indicators found in this review under the cascade scheme biofuels 2 10 19
MCES
Capacity Flow Benefit Water purification
Air quality regulation
22
0
20
1
12
0
Relative fish abundance based on Artisanal fishery catch [2] Fish sales (USD/yr) [3] Coastal protection 16 7 30
catch per unit effort (CPUE) [1] Climate regulation 14 10 10
Weather regulation 0 0 0
Density of fish (weighting factor) [4] Shrimp landings (t/yr) [5] Economic benefits from fisheries Ocean nourishment 11 4 3
2
(USD/yr or USD/km ) [6] Life cycle maintenance 27 8 15
Coral size, substrate cover, fish Harvested mussels (n) [8] Value of the average daily catch Biological regulation 0 3 1
Symbolic and aesthetic
Provisionin g

diversity and biomass [7] (USD/ha) [9] values 0 4 12

Fish abundance per site [10] Fish catch (kg/yr) [3] Financial income from fisheries Recreation and tourism 5 11 36
(USD/ha/yr) [11] Cognitive effects 1 3 8
All MCES together 18 0 23
Distribution of fish or larvae [12] Landings of commercial and Value of finfish (weighting factor) [4]
recreational fishing (t, USD) [13]
Fish biomass (standing stock) (t) Commercial fishery landings data Value of fish catch per household
[14] [12] (USD/household/yr) [15]
Estimates of species abundance Fish catch per household Net present value of shrimp and fish
(fish, shellfish, marine mammals and (kg/household/yr) [15] under different management
birds) [16] scenarios (USD/ha) [17]
Proportion of fishcoral
Healthy growing stockreefs, Fish
Surgecatch (t) [19](cm/km) [5]
reduction Shrimp
Value ofrevenues (USD/ha)
the disturbance [17]
regulation
mangroves and wetlands (%, USD) service based on benefit transfer
[13] (EUR/ha/yr) [71]
Coral size and substrate cover [7] Vulnerability index based on Value transfer based on Costanza et
relaxation time and return interval al. 1997 (USD) [72]
Coastal protection

[94]
Plant cover (%) [95] Importance and specificity of storm Liberty index [96]
protection based on expert
knowledge (scores 0-3) [55]
Vegetation properties (marsh width, Loss rates of experimental Gross Domestic Product [96]
species, biomass production, equipment in the coast (no.
density, stiffness, height) [97] equipment lost) [98]
Vegetation density (shoots/ha, g/m2, Wave attenuation (m) [100] Willingness-to-pay of local residents
t/ha) [99] (GBP/yr) [79]
Temporal changes in mangrove Wave attenuation (m, %) [99] Perceived benefit from coastal
extent (ha) [64] protection (words used most
frequently) [61]
Size of marine leisure and Beach closure due to bacteria limit,
Value of the recreational and
2
recreation hotspots (km ) [129] discolored or turbid water [80] aesthetic service based on benefit
Recreation and tourism

transfer (EUR/ha/yr) [71]

Visual cover of algal mats [89]
Smell of decomposing algae [89]
Physical disturbance on recreational Annual number of recreational trips
activities [89]
Presence of coralligenous
community or cetacean population
[28]
Snorkeling and swimming (weighting Willingness-to-pay for the enjoyment
factor) [4] in the beach, before and after
erosion (GBP) [130]
Importance and specificity of Choice and willingness-to-pay by
recreation and tourism based on householders [131]
expert knowledge (scores 0-3) [55]
Value transfer based on Costanza et
(actual or intended) per person [132] al. 1997 (USD) [72]
Primary contact recreation (bathing, Annual value of ES based on benefit
diving) [49] transfer (USD/yr) [121]
Liquete et al. in press
Results: S2 Table

MCES Labels for ecosystem services found in this literature review

Food provision agroecosystem productivity; aquaculture potential; availability for harvest; biosecurity;
captured fish; coastal artisanal fisheries; coastal fisheries; commercial fishing; consumptive
use of a fish species; employment as fishermen; fish catch; fish consumption; fish food; fish
growth; fish production from aquaculture; fish production from fisheries; fish sales; fish take;
fisheries; fisheries support; fishery; fishery goods; fishery products; fishery support; fishing;
fishing and fishing related activities; food; food from fisheries; food production; food provision;
food resources; habitat services; harvest; mangrove-fishery linkages; off-shore fisheries;
prawn, mollusk and crab production; provisioning; provisioning of protein and other products;
quality of food provided to first-order consumers; quantity of food provision to first-order
consumers and O2/CO2 exchange; seafood; seafood consumption; seafood provision;
shrimp and fish; shrimp and fish harvesting; shrimp revenues; spawning stock production;
supporting fish communities; supporting offshore fisheries

Coastal coastal defence; coastal property protection; coastal protection; coastal protection of
protection hurricanes; coastal sea defence; coastline stabilisation; dissipate wave energy; disturbance
prevention and alleviation; disturbance regulation; environmental disturbance prevention;
flood control; hurricanes protection; land building/retention; natural barriers to storm events;
natural hazard regulation; protection from erosion and sand blasting; protection of shoreline
against erosion and flooding; reduction of coast erosion; reef protection; sediment
accumulation; sediment deposition; shoreline buffering; shoreline erosion control; shoreline
protection; shoreline stabilization; soil retention; storm protection; storm surge protection;
storm, flood and erosion control; water recycling; water regulation; water storage; wave and
wind attenuation; wave attenuation

Recreation and aesthetic and recreation; aesthetic and recreational values; aesthetic attraction; amenity from
tourism coastal defence; amenity, recreation and biodiversity; bird shooting and wildfowling; coastal
recreational benefit; cultural; ecotourism; ecotourism and environmental education; hunting
and bird watching tourism; industry and tourism; leisure; leisure and recreation; marine
leisure and recreation industry; non-consumptive use of popular observable species;
recreation; recreation and cultural; recreation and tourism; recreation service; recreational;
recreational and aesthetic; recreational appeal; recreational benefits; recreational fishing;
recreational use of coastal areas; recreational uses; scuba; tourism; tourism and local
recreation; tourism attraction; tourism opportunities; tourism potential; wildlife viewing

Liquete et al. in press

Results: Classification

This paper CICES This paper CICES This paper CICES

Terrestrial Bioremediation Symbolic and Spiritual
plant and Water Water quality aesthetic Aesthetic,
purification values

Cultural
animal regulation heritage
Food Freshwater Dilution and Recreation and
Air quality Recreation
provision plant and sequestration community
regulation and tourism
Provisioning

animal of wastes activities

Marine plant Mass flow Cognitive Information

Regulating and maintenance

and animal regulation effects and knowledge
Potable water Coastal Water flow
Water flow protection regulation
Water storage
regulation Air flow
and provision
Water quality regulation
regulation Climate
Biotic Biotic materials regulation Atmospheric
materials and Renewable Weather regulation
biofuels biofuels regulation
Pedogenesis
Ocean
and soil quality
nourishment
regulation
Lifecycle
maintenance
Life cycle and habitat
maintenance protection
Gene pool
protection
Biological Pest and
regulation disease control

Liquete et al. in press

 Assessment of coastal protection services at EU scale
Delimitation of study area

Liquete et al. / Ecological Indicators 30 (2013) 205217

Cascade model applied to CP

Liquete et al. (2013)

In details

Liquete et al. (2013)

Results

Estimation of the set of indicators proposed in this study along the European shoreline: (A) coastal
protection capacity (CPcap); (B) coastal exposure (CPexp)

Liquete et al. (2013)

Results

(A) Coastal protection service flow (CP flow) estimated as a cross-tabulation of CP capacity and exposure
(see Table 5A). (B) Coastal protection service benefit (CP benefit) estimated as a cross-tabulation of
service flow and CP demand

Liquete et al. (2013)