Ecosystem services provided by the Baltic Sea ... - Naturvårdsverket

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SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Report 5873 • Ecosystem services provided by the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak Economic Marine Information Determining the status of aesthetic value of coastal and marine environments around the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak is difficult due to regional differences. However, overall status is considerate moderate due to excessive development in many coastal regions. As this development is ongoing, current level of threat is also stated as moderate. It should be noted that use of this service can only be sustainable. Loss of scenic value is associated with coastal development and large construction activity such as the bridge between Sweden and Denmark and offshore wind parks but also with environmental deterioration like the presence of putrid algal mats, loss of sand dunes, beach erosion, litter, pollution and decrease in rare spectacular marine fauna like harbour porpoises and white tailed sea eagle. The mitigation of impact may be costly. For example, the cost of cleaning the shores of Bohuslän from litter is 1.3 - 1.6 million EUR per year (82). The loss of scenic values has negative consequences for property value and taxation as well as for local tourism revenues. Scenic values contribute greatly to national identity as well as international reputation. Hence, they are difficult to replace and should not be overlooked. How to strengthen marine aesthetic values In order to maintain enjoyment of scenery and profit from the economic and societal benefits it may infer, this ecosystem service should be considered in all development issues and marine planning. A recent example in which aesthetic values have indeed been considered, is the setting aside of two areas protected from human-induced noise pollution along the Skagerrak coast. These areas are the first of their kind, but if this pilot experiment is considered successful, three more areas are waiting in turn. The revised Swedish environmental objective regarding noise and other disturbances include a target of noise-free areas in all counties by 2015 (82). Examples of knowledge gaps There is limited knowledge regarding the values of scenic beauty, silence and undeveloped coastal marine environments. In order to strengthen the appreciation of aesthetic values, more information is needed regarding what constitutes attractive scenery and the consequences of alterations in scenery. Summarized, investigations are welcomed in the following fields: Identification of the factors which contribute to an attractive coastal scenery Understanding how the impression of an aesthetic scenery best maintained, despite coastal development Linking scenery to tourism Economic valuation of coastal and marine sceneries Possible benefits of scenery for health and well-being 145
SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Report 5873 • Ecosystem services provided by the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak Economic Marine Information Cultural ecosystem services C3: Contribution to science and education Definition The existence of a varied marine life and a rich coastal environment is likely to stimulate various activities such as school excursions, the establishment of museums and aquaria, but also scientific research. Aspects of the marine coastal environment can also motivate the general public to engage in voluntary work, thereby raising environmental awareness. Furthermore, the marine environment provides historical records of environmental change, environmental indicators and early warnings of change. Extent of use and importance to society Human society currently faces numerous environmental challenges. We have entered an age where humans have the predominant impact on the world’s ecosystems. To battle what we are faced with, environmental education and public awareness are critical. Moreover, tangible management advice, based on sound scientific knowledge and reasonable predictions, has to be given to those with managerial responsibilities. Indicators of environmental health Ecological indicators and early warning signs provide marine resource users with vital information about the system upon which they depend. Indicators typically allow managers to track progress with respect to reference points. For example, the Swedish Environmental Objectives Council (Miljömålsrådet) has used indicators to estimate success in reaching the Swedish Environmental Objectives. For the two foremost objectives relevant for the marine environment, Zero Eutrophication (chapter R3) and A Balanced Marine Environment, Flourishing Coastal Areas and Archipelagos (chapter S5), there are nine and 11 indicators respectively (with some overlap), from which the proximity to the desired objective can be determined. The commercial fishery constitutes a sector in which indicators are commonly used. Indicators provide managers with information regarding size, growth and reproductive capacity of respective fish stock. Faced with environmental deterioration or over-extraction, certain populations will exhibit clear responses well before the whole ecosystem is affected. Examination of e.g. physiological condition, presence of so called indicator species and size of reproductive stock can identify potential environmental impact and help guide managers to assign appropriate 146
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