Abstract
Wide-ranging, indicator-based assessments of large, complex ecosystems are playing an increasing role in guiding environmental policy and management. An example is the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which requires Member States to take measures to reach “good environmental status” (GES) in European marine waters. However, formulation of indicator targets consistent with the Directive’s high-level policy goal of sustainable use has proven challenging. We develop a specific, quantitative interpretation of the concepts of GES and sustainable use in terms of indicators and associated targets, by sharply distinguishing between current uses to satisfy current societal needs and preferences, and unknown future uses. We argue that consistent targets to safeguard future uses derive from a requirement that any environmental state indicator should recover within a defined time (e.g. 30 years) to its pressure-free range of variation when all pressures are hypothetically removed. Within these constraints, specific targets for current uses should be set. Routes to implementation of this proposal for indicators of fish-community size structure, population size of selected species, eutrophication, impacts of non-indigenous species, and genetic diversity are discussed. Important policy implications are that (a) indicator target ranges, which may be wider than natural ranges, systematically and rationally derive from our proposal; (b) because relevant state indicators tend to respond slowly, corresponding pressures should also be monitored and assessed; (c) support of current uses and safeguarding of future uses are distinct management goals, they require different types of targets, decision processes, and management philosophies.
Highlights
An example relevant for assessment and management of marine ecosystems is the set of criteria proposed by ICES (2001), which forms the basis of the Rice and Rochet (2005) criteria
Among frameworks suggested for quantifying bioinvasion impacts (Copp et al, 2009; Molnar et al, 2008; Nentwig et al, 2010), the Biological Pollution Level (BPL) assessment method (Olenin et al, 2007) has been recommended as a robust and standardized indicator in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (Olenin et al, 2010)
Quantitative approach to select indicators and their target ranges for the purpose of assessing strong sustainability of ecosystem use
Summary
Experts can vary widely in their findings when evaluating indicators according to the same criteria (Rice and Rochet, 2005), which questions the idea that such criteria provide an objective basis for indicator selection Another disadvantage is that the scientific problem of developing indicators and monitoring programs and the scientific and societal challenge of finding appropriate target ranges for these indicators remain vaguely specified. A quantitative, generic, and broadly accepted framework was available for choosing indicators and setting targets, so making this a research and development task to deliver a product according to specifications, rather than a social process of finding common positions in an uncertain space. The framework we proposed might be generally useful for linking assessments of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems to high-level policy goals
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