A risk-based approach to cumulative effect assessments for marine management.
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Stelzenmüller, V. (Vanessa); Coll, M. (Marta); Mazaris, A. D.; Giakoumi, S.; Katsanevakis, S. (Stelios); Portman, M.; Degen, R.; Mackelworth, P.; Gimpe, A.; Albano, P. G.; Almpanidou, V.; Claudet, J. (Joachim); Essel, F.; Evagelopoulos, T.; Heymans, J.J.; Genov, T. (Tilen); Kark, S.; Micheli, F.; Pennino, M.G. (María Gracia); Rilov, G.; Rumes, B.; Steenbeek, J. (Jeroen)Editor's version
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717323100Date
2018Type
research articleKeywords
Risk management processScience-policy interface
Standardized framework
Terminology
Tools
Uncertainty
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the cumulative effects of multiple human pressures. Cumulative effect assessments (CEAs) are needed to inform environmental policy and guide ecosystem-based management. Yet, CEAs are inherently complex and seldom linked to real-world management processes. Therefore we propose entrenching CEAs in a risk management process, comprising the steps of risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation. We provide guidance to operationalize a risk-based approach to CEAs by describing for each step guiding principles and desired outcomes, scientific challenges and practical solutions. We reviewed the treatment of uncertainty in CEAs and the contribution of different tools and data sources to the implementation of a risk based approach to CEAs. We show that a risk-based approach to CEAs decreases complexity, allows for the transparent treatment of uncertainty and streamlines the uptake of scientific outcomes into the science-policy interface. ...