Managing for cumulative effects

Addressing cumulative effects in marine management decisions.

Tidal Research, in collaboration with the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato, leads a Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge project focusing on how cumulative effects can be addressed in marine management. This project was part of the ‘Bringing it all together’ synthesis project of Sustainable Seas that focused on synthesizing the knowledge gained throughout the Challenge to provide guidance for how to better manage for healthy marine ecosystems.

The project involved identifying current limitations for managing cumulative effects and key research from the Challenge that can help marine management by considering ecological responses to cumulative effects. Additionally, the project involved the development of a four step action plan focusing on ecological responses and principles to provide guidance on how to better assess and manage cumulative effects.  

The project involved the development of a guidance document and policy brief to support decision makers in addressing cumulative effects (see link below).

Background

The cumulative effects are driving the degradation of marine ecosystems. Despite the recognition in laws and policy that cumulative effects should be considered in decision-making, cumulative effects are currently not well addressed in marine management. Current management processes typically only consider the effects of stressors and activities, often in isolation, without meaningfully considering the ecological responses to stress. To reduce ecosystem degradation and aid ecosystem recovery, Challenge research highlights that marine management needs to shift to focus on the ecological responses to cumulative effects.

Outputs

Guidance document and policy brief:

Bulmer R. H., Pilditch C. A., Lewis N., Flowers G. J L. (2024). Addressing cumulative effects in marine management decisions. Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge.