Q 63 - How to deal with knowledge gaps on socio-economic data, including the spatial dimension?#
Answers#
Participatory mapping (Trade-off for MPA Design)
GFW - Global Fishing Watch (Data sharing)
EMODnet (Data sharing)
ESE2 - Criteria for the representation of the social and economic dimension of MPAs#
Practices: Data collection and presentationSpatial scales: Transboundary / sea basin National Regional / localMarine zones: Coastal zone Offshore zoneOperational approaches: (Tool) GFW - Global Fishing Watch (Tool) EMODnet
Implementation details
Utilize a multi-stage approach to integrating limited Socio-Economic data.
Stage 1: Utilize Official Open Data Portals
The first step is to gather structured and authoritative datasets from official European and international sources, which provide standardized socio-economic indicators:
EMODnet Human Activities - Spatial data on fishing, shipping, tourism, offshore energy, and aquaculture.
Corine Land Cover (CLC) - European land cover data useful for assessing coastal development and changes.
Eurostat - Statistics on coastal populations, employment, fisheries, and economic sectors.
FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture - Global fisheries production, trade, and sustainability reports.
Stage 2: Integrate Data from NGOs and Research Institutions
Integrate data from NGOs, conservation organizations, and independent research projects, which often provide more detailed and real-time insights:
OpenStreetMap (Overpass Turbo) <https://overpass-turbo.eu/>`_ - Extracting human activity patterns, infrastructure, and coastal land use data.
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) - Real-time and historical fishing activity data.
MarineTraffic (or other commercial services)- Ship tracking data for monitoring maritime traffic near MPAs.
Stage 3: Use Proxy Data to Fill Gaps
Nighttime Lights (e.g., NASA VIIRS, NOAA DMSP-OLS) - Indicators of coastal development and fishing intensity.
AIS & VMS Tracking (e.g., GFW, EU Fleet Register) - Mapping vessel activity to estimate fishing and shipping pressures.
Social Media Data (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Flickr APIs) - Assessing tourism and recreational activities in coastal areas.
Earth Observation (e.g., Copernicus Sentinel, Landsat) - Identifying land use changes, coastal urbanization, and aquaculture sites.
Applications
ESE3 - Trade-offs method for protections and restoration in MSP#
Practices: Scoping Data collection and presentation Analysis and diagnosis Prioritisation and designation Implementation and management Monitoring and evaluationSpatial scales: Transboundary / sea basin National Regional / localProtection regimes: Strict protection Non-strict protectionMarine zones: Coastal zone Deep sea Offshore zoneOperational approaches: (Method) Participatory mapping
Implementation details
Utilize Participatory Mapping: Engage local stakeholders through participatory mapping exercises to collect socio-economic data. This approach not only fills data gaps but also incorporates local knowledge and perspectives, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of the information gathered. Use of Annexe 5 - Table Participatory Mapping Tool. From Deliverable 4.3 “Trade-offs method for protection and restoration in MSP”
References
Trade-offs method for protection and restoration in MSP (ESE3). Deliverable – D4.3., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)).
This report presents the participatory creation of integrated trade-off scenarios within the MSP4BIO project, aiming to improve the management of marine spaces and safeguard ecosystem services.
The outcomes of this deliverable provide detailed Guidelines for applying trade-off methodology for MPA design. These scenarios aim to assess and negotiate the consequences of diverse actions and strategies regarding the spatial and strategic management of marine areas. The key element is comprehending how various human activities influence and are influenced by the ecosystem’s services and exploring potential ways for negotiating solutions. The outcomes, particularly the trade-off scenarios, will be integrated into practical tools and frameworks, aiding decision-making processes related to marine resource management.
This method was designed by the MSP4BIO team members and experts and developed collaboratively with stakeholders to understand the perspectives linked to protected marine areas and potential trade-offs in which specific actions may positively or negatively impact ecosystems and human well-being.
It was tested by the different test sites of the MSP4BIO project, and the outcomes will be integrated into the ESE 3, more specifically by the Task 4.4 MPAs and MSP Ecological-Socio-Economic integrated management
Applications