Introduction
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 The management of marine resources and the restoration of ecosystems depends on our comprehension of ecosystem dynamics and socio-economic forces. Understanding the links and feedbacks that drive coupled social-ecological systems is the basis of ecosystem based management (EBM) and underpins the reforms to marine governance.
Researchers at the Scottish Marine Institute are at the forefront of providing the science base to support the implementation of the Scottish Marine Act, UK Marine and Coastal Access Act and the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
We are developing practical evidence-based approaches to managing the marine environment, developing more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, delivering conservation orientated science, understanding the processes and trade-offs involved in marine spatial planning and working to avoid or overcome conflicts in coastal communities.
Contact information
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Aims
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With our research in this area we aim to
- understand how ecological and social systems function and interrelate
- discover how their resilience can be increased
- build scientific capacity for ecosystem-based management and sustainable resource exploitation
- be a centre of excellence in marine governance research and engagement
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Challenges
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- How will marine spatial planning be delivered to ensure environmentally, economically and socially sustainable marine industries and communities?
- How do we apply the concepts of ecosystem science into practical scientific, policy and management initiatives?
- What methods and tools elucidate and enhance the feedbacks between coupled ecological and social systems?
- What are the effects of drivers such as climate change, resource extraction, and pollution and socio-economic conditions on the quality of marine ecosystems and the services they provide?
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