Application of a spatially explicit risk approach for multi-hazard assessment and management in marine environment

Abstract

In the last few decades the health of coastal and marine ecosystems has been progressively compromised by the anthropogenic presence. Multiple natural and human-made pressures, as well as climate change effects, are posing increasing pressures on coastal and marine areas, impairing their structure and functions and thus jeopardizing the future use of marine ecosystems’ goods and services. An environmental risk assessment approach can be effectively used to address multiple threats posed by climate drivers in combination with local to regional anthropogenic pressures affecting marine ecosystems and activities (e.g. pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, smothering of seabed habitat, introduction of non-indigenous species). Through a four-stages process based on the consecutive analysis of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risks, a spatially explicit risk approach was developed and applied in the Adriatic Sea, in order to identify hot-spot areas and vulnerable targets that are more likely to be at risk of not achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020.
By integrating a wide array of indicators related to hazard (e.g. trophic index, temperature and salinity variation, bottom stress) and vulnerability (e.g. sensitive habitat extent and typology, biodiversity indexes) with Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and geographic information systems, the assessment produced a range of spatial maps and tabular results summarizing key risk metrics useful to define the progress toward the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The final set of risk indicators (e.g. extent of the seabed significantly affected by human activities, alterations of physical and chemical parameters) provide useful information to local planners and policy makers to set priorities in maritime spatial planning and management, defining effective measures and strategies to promote the sustainable valorization and preservation of the Adriatic region.

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ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Title: Application of a spatially explicit risk approach for multi-hazard assessment and management in
marine environment
Abstract No. 0278
Title Application of a spatially explicit risk approach for multi-hazard assessment and management in
marine environment
Abstract Abstract_Elisa_Furlan.doc
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Text Abstract
In the last few decades the health of coastal and marine ecosystems has been progressively
compromised by the anthropogenic presence. Multiple natural and human-made pressures, as well
as climate change effects, are posing increasing pressures on coastal and marine areas, impairing
their structure and functions and thus jeopardizing the future use of marine ecosystems' goods
and services. An environmental risk assessment approach can be effectively used to address
multiple threats posed by climate drivers in combination with local to regional anthropogenic
pressures affecting marine ecosystems and activities (e.g. pollution, overexploitation of natural
resources, smothering of seabed habitat, introduction of non-indigenous species). Through a
four-stages process based on the consecutive analysis of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risks,
a spatially explicit risk approach was developed and applied in the Adriatic Sea, in order to identify
hot-spot areas and vulnerable targets that are more likely to be at risk of not achieving Good
Environmental Status (GES) by 2020.
By integrating a wide array of indicators related to hazard (e.g. trophic index, temperature and
salinity variation, bottom stress) and vulnerability (e.g. sensitive habitat extent and typology,
biodiversity indexes) with Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and geographic information
systems, the assessment produced a range of spatial maps and tabular results summarizing key
risk metrics useful to define the progress toward the implementation of the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive (MSFD). The final set of risk indicators (e.g. extent of the seabed
significantly affected by human activities, alterations of physical and chemical parameters) provide
useful information to local planners and policy makers to set priorities in maritime spatial planning
and management, defining effective measures and strategies to promote the sustainable
valorization and preservation of the Adriatic region.
App Yes
Approval Confirm
Affiliations (1) Centro-Euro Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), n/a, Italy
(2) Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’
Foscari, n/a, Italy
Authors E. Furlan (1) (2) Presenting
S. Torresan (1) (2)
G. Donadello (2)
A. Critto (1) (2)
A. Marcomini (1) (2)
Presenter
email
elisa.furlan@unive.it
Categories Other
Other theme Environmental risk assessment and risk management of marine areas
Keyword1 Risk assessment
Keyword2 Good Environmental Status
Keyword3 Multi Criteria Decision Analysis
Keyword4 Geographic Information Systems
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