Marine Ecosystem Restoration in Changing European Seas

MERCES is an EU-funded project focused on the restoration of different degraded marine habitats, with the aim of: 1) assessing the potential of different technologies and approaches; 2) quantifying the returns in terms of ecosystems services and their socio-economic impacts; 3) defining the legal-policy and governance frameworks needed to optimize the effectiveness of the different restoration approaches. Specific aims include: a) improving existing, and developing new, restoration actions of degraded marine habitats; b) increasing the adaptation of EU degraded marine habitats to global change; c) enhancing marine ecosystem resilience and services; d) conducting cost-benefit analyses for marine restoration measures; e) creating new industrial targets and opportunities.

Gerovasileiou V, Smith CJ, Sevastou K, Papadopoulou N, Dailianis T, Bekkby T, Fiorentino D, McOwen CJ, Amaro T, Tunka Bengil EG, Bilan M, Boström C, Carreiro-Silva M, Cebrian E, Cerrano C, Danovaro R, Fraschetti S, Gagnon K, Gambi C, Grehan A, Hereu B, Kipson S, Kotta J, Linares C, Morato T, Ojaveer H, Orav-Kotta H, Sarà A, Scrimgeour R 2019. Habitat mapping in the European Seas - is it fit for purpose in the marine restoration agenda? Marine Policy 106:103521