We compared and contrasted 11 European case studies to identify challenges and opportunities toward the operationalization of marine and coastal ecosystem service (MCES) assessments in Europe. This... Show moreWe compared and contrasted 11 European case studies to identify challenges and opportunities toward the operationalization of marine and coastal ecosystem service (MCES) assessments in Europe. This work is the output of a panel convened by the Marine Working Group of the Ecosystem Services Partnership in September 2016. The MCES assessments were used to (1) address multiple policy objectives simultaneously, (2) interpret EU-wide policies to smaller scales and (3) inform local decision-making. Most of the studies did inform decision makers, but only in a few cases, the outputs were applied or informed decision-making. Significant limitations among the 11 assessments were the absence of shared understanding of the ES concept, data and knowledge gaps, difficulties in accounting for marine social–ecological systems complexity and partial stakeholder involvement. The findings of the expert panel call for continuous involvement of MCES ‘end users’, integrated knowledge on marine social–ecological systems, defining thresholds to MCES use and raising awareness to the general public. Such improvements at the intersection of science, policy and practice are essential starting points toward building a stronger science foundation supporting management of European marine ecosystems. Show less
This paper examines attitudes towards marine conservation among fishers from two villages in Kilifi District, Kenya. It focuses on how the views of fishers have contributed to their willingness to... Show moreThis paper examines attitudes towards marine conservation among fishers from two villages in Kilifi District, Kenya. It focuses on how the views of fishers have contributed to their willingness to engage in marine conservation and considers how these attitudes developed. Uyombo is situated near the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve and the fishers from this village have encountered formal methods of conservation in their daily fishing activities. There is no marine park in the vicinity of Takaungu but fishers in Takaungu have used informal methods of conservation in the past, unlike those employed in Uyombo). These traditional ways have, however, lost most of their effectiveness. Data were collected in 2000, 2001 and 2003 and the study shows how experiences have shaped fishers' attitudes towards conservation and their perceptions of how conservation efforts should, or should not, be carried out. The fishers from Uyombo, as a result of their experiences with the Marine National Park, have developed such a negative attitude towards marine conservation that it may be difficult to involve them in any meaningful activities in the future. The fishers in Takaungu, on the other hand, are willing to participate in marine conservation activities provided these do not endanger their livelihoods and are on an equal partnership basis. Show less