Created out of the vision to better understand how different pressures from human activities and environmental stress combine to affect marine ecosystems, Tikta is a software which enables you to perform those kinds of analyses.

The software implements various assessment methods such as the complete CEA (Cumulative Effects Assessment) and NEAT (Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool) methods — including everything from data management and analysis to visualisation — all within a single environment. Among others, it outputs geographical raster maps and tabular scores that show the potential risks from cumulative pressures (using CEA) and the environmental status (using NEAT). It also allows users to explore scenarios, such as removing or reducing specific pressures, to see how ecosystems might respond in terms of their impact risk or status. In this way, Tikta turns raw data into knowledge that can directly inform policy and management. And even better: Tikta is extensible to implement many other data analysis algorithms and assessment methods. More indicators/assessment methods and more functionalities will be continuously added during the GES4SEAS project lifetime!

By supporting assessments required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and contributing to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law, Tikta provides a robust foundation for evidence-based marine governance.

The tool’s name draws inspiration from Tiktaalik, the iconic transitional species between water and land. Just as Tiktaalik marked an evolutionary leap by bridging environments, Tikta is designed to work for assessments in both marine and terrestrial environments. Tikta’s nature is to bridge boundaries — ecological, disciplinary, and technical. It is built to evolve, hosting different modules and enabling new forms of data analysis, all while supporting integrated, science-based management.

Stay tuned as Tikta becomes a central piece of the GES4SEAS project, helping science and policy work hand in hand for a healthier ocean.