How to measure the economic value of ecosystem functions and processes and link such value to the MSP?

Abstract

The paper aims at answering questions on implications of the economic valuation of regulatory ecosystem service in maritime spatial planning. The biogeochemical processes that occur in marine sediments such as denitrification, contribute indirectly, though significantly, benefits to human wellbeing. Such direct and indirect benefits are called ecosystem services. According to the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES V5.1) for the Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting, the case study: ecosystem service lies within the: Section - Regulation & Maintenance (Biotic); Division - Transformation of biochemical or physical inputs to ecosystems; Group - Mediation of wastes or toxic substances of anthropogenic origin by living processes and Class - Bio-remediation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals (Code 2.1.1.1). Marine sediments are economically evaluated mainly as sources of providing services (sand and gravel extraction or space for potential industrial use). Their regulatory function is often neglected in such studies. Therefore, we employed the methodology from the field of ecological economics and assessed the economic value of denitrification of the Gulf of Gdansk. This paper suggests the possible implications of using such data in MSP and discusses the competition sea uses in order to determine the final benefits for society.