2.4.2.5 Lesson Learned 5: Data gaps and uncertainty are inherent in all Ecosystem Services Assessment but can be overcome

Why

Decisions in marine management have to be made even if data is uncertain, imperfect, missing and incomplete.

How

Certain case studies were selected as “low data” examples to explore how to manage this limitation.

It was found that simple qualitative information (Plymouth Sound to Fowey ) was enough to start structured debate about trade-offs, generating useful outcomes such as consideration of alternative options and a widened appreciation of differing perspectives.

In addition, even if no decision was at stake, or just a hypothetical scenario was being explored, Ecosystem Services Assessment was still useful for engaging users in the production of information (Plymouth Sound to Fowey).

Where specific data for fine scale habitat levels was lacking amalgamating habitats into broad categories (North Devon Biosphere Reserve ) and considering shared characteristics provided useful information on the distribution and delivery of Ecosystem Services.

Including stakeholders in the data discovery process highlighted sources of information which might otherwise have been overlooked (Plymouth Sound to Fowey, North Devon Biosphere Reserve, Poole Harbour ).

In the case of Plymouth Sound to Fowey data relating to carbon sequestration and valuation was used, but the uncertainty associated with this was communicated to the stakeholders through both verbal and pictorial means.

In the French study cases, in order to develop a model on risks for the habitats, it was necessary to mix various sources of information, including expert judgment (Golfe Normand-Breton ). An expert workshop to overcome the lack of knowledge regarding the ecological functions delivered by seagrass beds led managers to re-assess the reason why this habitat should be preserved (Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan ).

What next

Data gaps include knowledge on the extent and status of marine habitats, their contribution to ecological functions, and the economic data at a local scale, especially as regards the beneficiaries of ecosystem services. As the data gaps are extensive smart methods of addressing these should be employed, which could include citizen science, collaboration with existing monitoring programs, and a strategic focus on the most essential issues. It is important to continue to develop means of communicating uncertainty clearly and further research on how to do this is required.