Incorporating ecosystem services conservation into a scenario-based MSP framework: An Adriatic case study

Multiple anthropogenic activities can exert adverse effects on marine vulnerable ecological components and the ecosystem services they provide to human well-being. Emilia-Romagna (E-R) Region belongs to one of the most industrialized coastal and sea areas of the Italian Northern Adriatic Sea, requiring adequate decision support instruments able to assist authorities to enforce ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). In this research we combine Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) model with marine ecosystem services capacity (MESCap) assessment of multiple ecological components (seabed habitats, essential fish habitats, marine mammals and turtles). The geospatial instruments were used for E-R Region's sea space to support the selection of spatially explicit measures to address two marine conservation objectives, i.e. A. preservation of essential fish habitats and B. protection of species of high conservation value, namely marine mammals and turtles, proposed within an MSP pilot study for the region. Results show that cumulative effects are mainly generated from trawling activities, maritime transport (e.g. Port of Ravenna), and by the influence of land-based activities (i.e. inputs from Po river and other minor rivers). Highest threats to marine ecosystem services (ES) were related to supporting ES (e.g. habitat and nursery provisioning) and to cultural ES. We discuss the contribution of the presented approach towards an ecosystem-based management in the region and the potential benefits that the integration of the ES concept can have in the designing of planning measures with the aim of reducing the cumulative effects and of maintaining marine ecological resources and services.