The GES4SEAS project celebrates its 18-month milestone, marking significant strides towards its main goal of providing marine decision makers with tools to better assess human pressures and their impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Key to this endeavour is the development of an innovative toolbox within an adaptive ecosystem-based management framework, aimed at assessing and predicting the impact of multiple stressors, including climate change.

From the early stages of the project, key achievements included the establishment of a high-profile Practitioners Advisory Board (PAB), progress in Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) approaches, advancements in methods for ecosystem services assessment, and the initial release of the toolbox prototype. These efforts have been supported by active collaboration across work packages, ranging from co-creation of tools to the preparation of educational materials and dissemination activities.

The project’s approach to integrating scientific research with practical management tools and engaging communication strategies, showcases a comprehensive effort towards achieving Good Environmental Status (GES). With activities like workshops, summer schools, and the development of audio-visual communication materials, GES4SEAS is fostering a broad understanding and implementation of ecosystem-based management.

As we move forward, the GES4SEAS team remains dedicated to advancing our objectives, with the ongoing testing of the toolbox and the continuous engagement of our community. We are truly excited to reach this important milestone with so many accomplishments, signalling not just progress but also a strong foundation for future initiatives.

For those interested in being part of this initiative, opportunities to engage and contribute are ongoing, so feel free to reach out to us!