The direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being is often referred to as ecosystem services. Some examples of ecosystem services that are provided to us by our seas are provisioning of food, mediation of toxic substances and provisioning of cultural services (e.g. recreation and aesthetic values). A strong foundation in ecological knowledge is required to understand ecosystem services, as ecosystems are both complex and dynamic.
AquaBiota has a solid knowledge in marine and freshwater ecology and experience of quantification of ecosystem services at various scales through mapping and modelling, which provide useful information for communicating on different development options, to balance the interests of various stakeholders, as well as the assessment of possible compensation measures, etc.