ClimePlan: Ecological risk analyses climateproofing impact assessments for ecosystem-based marine spatial planning

Title: ClimePlan: Ecological risk analyses climateproofing impact assessments for ecosystem-based marine spatial planning

Description: Marine spatial planning requires balancing various uses of the sea with the preservation of ecological resilience. Current tools, however, do not sufficiently consider species interactions, increasing the risk of unexpected ecosystem changes, such as fish stock collapses. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering species interactions. The project aims to develop a method for ecological risk assessment tables (ERAT) that integrates dynamic food web models with scenarios for climate change and management measures, focusing on coastal food webs in the Baltic Sea.

The models will simulate the effects of human activities, such as fishing and coastal development, combined with warming. The project involves collaboration with local and national stakeholders in a "Living Lab" setting, where the method is practically tested for marine planning. Practical applications include improved planning and impact assessments to reduce ecological risks and enhance marine resilience under climate change.