SEPTEMBER 2022 – FEBRUARY 2024 (first 18 months)
WP1
- Developed the Practitioner Advisory Board (PAB) during the proposal phase. PAB fully set during the kick-off meeting, complemented by an online survey on challenges faced regarding cumulative pressures, environmental status assessments, etc., and expectations on their contributions throughout the project (Task 1.1).
- Initiated co-creation and design thinking of the toolbox in the different phases of development – two of the PAB’s objectives – through an online survey.
- Discussed the results from the survey with the PAB at the kick-off meeting, compiling them in Milestone 1.3 as roadmap for other WPs, particularly WP4.
- Built a calendar of main participatory events of the project as part of Milestone 1.2, which is regularly updated by partners.
- PAB actively participated in thematic and hands-on workshops on SCAIRM (A spatial cumulative assessment of impact risk for management) framework and tools applications.
- PAB members met with partners every six months in the annual meetings (September 2022 and May 2023) as well as in the interim meeting (November 2023) to discuss progress and give feedback.
- The PAB members participated in the 2023 annual meeting on a Policy Brief definition session, highlighting the key aspects that should consider, contributing to Task 6.6.
- Began Task 1.3 which addresses the iterative development and validation of the beta version of the toolbox.
- Contributed to key project outcomes:
- Determined the needs and co-created the basis for the tools with the PAB, receiving inputs from Task 1.1 and T2.1 and giving inputs to T1.3 and T3.1.
- Provided opinions and recommendations to WP2 from the PAB.
- Helped identify existing Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) approaches, providing inputs from the PAB to WP2.
WP2
- Compiled lists of Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) impact components and their contribution into definitions for a Glossary, as part of Task 2.1. Glossary is continuously updated and shared with sister projects, such as MarinePlan.
- Characterised the most appropriate approaches and tools used for Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) and EBM (Milestone 2.1), which will feed into WP3 and WP4.
- Finished Deliverable 2.1 which features factsheets on EBM tools and approaches. This deliverable will inform Deliverable 2.3.
- Evaluated the state-of-the-art in support of EBM of specific problems, such as marine invasive species, harmful algal blooms (HABs), jellyfish outbreaks, and the decline of top predators (Task 2.2).
- Published four reviews in Frontiers in Marine Science, which will feed into Task 5.2. The findings from these papers resulted in Deliverable 2.2, which provides synthesis and recommendations of tools.
- Progressed on Task 2.3 focused, which focuses on the assessment of the tools supporting EBM regarding the practicability of their implementation.
- Created SEAS4GES, a novel Decision Support Tool, to guide project partners in identifying the best tool to implement an ecosystem-based approach, according to data type, data availability, level and type of expertise, etc. (Deliverable 2.3).
- Contributed to key project outcomes:
- Set state-of-the-art of the cumulative pressures and started translating these into management recommendations (Deliverables 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, feeding Deliverable 2.4 and lessons learnt from the learning sites).
- Set state-of-the-art of cumulative pressure impact assessments towards achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) and identified activities and pressures causing failure of GES.
- Identified existing EBM approaches (Deliverable 2.1) and proposed best options for practical EBM (Deliverable 2.3).
WP3
- Submitted Deliverable 3.1 exploring methodologies to quantify linkages between activities, pressures and state.
- Conducted a comprehensive review of the methods for the analysis of tipping points and thresholds (Task 3.1), based on available information and desired outcomes (Deliverable 3.1).
- Organised two online specific training sessions on the SCAIRM method.
- Developed a specific guide for implementing SCAIRM at the Learning Site level (in Task 3.1).
- Identified the analytical capacities and needs of the Learning Sites.
- Identification and analysis of case studies to determine tipping points methodologies and values under Task 3.2.
- Contributed to key project outcomes:
- Set the basis for including ecosystem services and their links with GES into integrative analyses and investigating the potential of cumulative pressures to lead to tipping points (in Tasks 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3).
- Developed specific models that allow scenario settings (Task 3.1).
- Supported the development of WP4 toolbox and provided tools such as the spatial cumulative assessment of impact risk for management.
WP4
- Developed an early toolbox prototype (version 0.8) integrating spatial datasets.
- Developed the toolbox framework by defining the basic data structures of the toolbox (Tasks 4.1 and Task 4.2).
- Released Milestone 4.1 on data structures.
- Transformed toolbox from the prototype stage, which included the CEA feature, to a mature software with the data structures of Milestone 4.1.
- Tested version 0.8, subsequently building version 0.9 and 1.0.
- Established theoretical frameworks for incorporating the results from WP3 into the cumulative effects assessment function of the toolbox.
- Preliminar work on Task 4.3. (Response curves and thresholds), Task 4.4. (Weighting factors), Task 4.5 (Aggregation) and Task 4.6. (Confidence assessment)
- Contributions to key project outcomes:
- Established the European Environment Agency (EEA) as an end-user for the toolbox, who will be using it for the upcoming ‘Marine Messages III’ report.
- Received inputs from Task T2.1, helping to operationalise the toolbox and use the correct common terminology.
WP5
- Submitted the first Data Management Plan (Deliverable 5.1, Milestone 6) and an updated version (Deliverable 5.5, Milestone 18).
- Worked on collating spatial data layers for the Learning Sites and harmonising these for import into the cumulative assessment toolbox of WP4 (task 5.3).
- Developed a harmonised guideline for data and metadata formats, included in the first version of the data management plan (Deliverable 5.1).
- Organised five thematic groups to address challenges related to harmful algal blooms, invasive species, jellyfish blooms, and top predators.
- Conducted thematic and training workshops, including a virtual meeting to discuss Task 5.2 progress and a CIMPAL training session.
- Developed a dispersal Lagrangian model in Learning Site 11, utilising modelled ocean currents and winds to study the dispersal of wind propelled jellyfish.
- Conducted two biologging surveys for seabirds and planned next surveys.
- Developed a standardised survey to identify interests, tool requirements, data and knowledge gaps for the different Learning Sites (Task 5.3).
- Established GES4SEAS Zenodo repository as a platform for data storage, long-term data preservation, and data exchange (Task 5.1).
- Finalised Learning Site datasets on activities, pressures, ecosystem components, linkage frameworks, and outputs of the toolbox assessments.
- Contributed to key outcomes:
- Capacity building (together with WP2, WP3 and WP4) among Learning Sites (Task 5.3) through workshops and bilateral support and established common formats for data layers (Task 5.1).
- Organised 20 related case studies within Learning Sites, training workshops, partner collaborations and developed new approaches and tools (T5.2) leveraging on the systematic reviews of Task 2.2.
- Supported MSFD implementation by preparing LS data layers for integration into the WP4 toolbox.
WP6
- Developed the Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation (DEC) plan (Task 6.1, Deliverable 6.1), defining the project’s six key messages (Task 6.2).
- Set the GES4SEAS visual identity through branding development (Task 6.3).
- Produced five infographics and four videos aligned with the defined key messages, available on the project website.
- Launched the first Twitter/ X MOOC on “Healthy seas for healthy human societies” (Task 6.4).
- Engaged with younger generations through Blue School initiatives (Task 6.5).
- Published 34 scientific publications and did 11 scientific conference presentations.
- Initiated Task 6.10 on Educational Modules, through discussions with UNESCO, OTGA, and EuroGOOS.
- Collaborated with other Horizon Europe projects to organise two summer schools, attracting participants from 18-19 countries (Task 6.11). Published papers from both events.
- Distributed 500 units of the Ocean Cube (Rubik cube) as a project flagship to stakeholders, with including FAO, UN, and EU representatives, as well as a tool for societal engagement (e.g., participation in the European Rubik Championship)
- Participated in numerous international collaborations, including joint initiatives with AAORIA, Digital Twin of the Ocean, ICES, and KCBD.
WP7
- Developed project templates and guidelines for reporting, communication, and dissemination, including logos, icons, and graphic materials, ensuring a unified visual identity (Task 7.1).
- Established efficient internal communication tools to track participants, tasks, and deliverables and facilitate collaboration and communication across the consortium (Task 7.2).
- Organised kick-off meeting, annual meetings, interim General Assembly and PAB meetings, and bi-monthly Steering Committee meetings, with structured agendas and detailed minutes for transparency and progress tracking (Task 7.3).
- Implemented internal financial reporting to monitor resource use and address potential deviations early. First report covered September 2022 through August 2023.
- Distributed an annual satisfaction survey to assess progress, identify challenges, and implement improvements based on feedback.
- Promoted GES4SEAS results at major conferences (e.g., ECSA, ICES) and in collaborative sessions with other projects (Task 7.4).
- Facilitated collaboration with related projects and initiatives (e.g., All Atlantic, OBAMA-NEXT, MARBEFES). Organised joint meetings, workshops, and deliverables (Task 7.5).