Advancing marine management: a synergistic approach to cumulative impact assessment with PlanWise4Blue

With escalating pressures from diverse human activities, marine environments are increasingly threatened by cumulative impacts such as biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and fish stock decline, putting ecosystem sustainability at risk. This research introduces a comprehensive framework to manage and counter these impacts, using data-driven ecological modeling tools to realistically capture marine ecosystems' responses to complex human-induced pressures, thereby supporting informed and effective decision-making. At the core of this approach is the PlanWise4Blue tool, now adapted within the BlueGreen Governance Dashboard, which offers a web-based platform for stakeholders to assess the environmental impacts of multiple plausible management scenarios. The PlanWise4Blue tool stands out by uniquely assessing the synergistic effects of multiple human pressures on natural assets. Moreover, it goes beyond simple score-based assessments to provide numeric evaluations grounded in scientific literature. Unlike traditional tools that yield arbitrary indices, PlanWise4Blue delivers precise calculations of the actual losses and gains in natural assets, making it a powerful resource for evidence-based, sustainable planning. Developed in collaboration with stakeholders, this tool empowers users to select strategies that minimize ecological harm and promote marine ecosystem resilience. Applied case studies illustrate how PlanWise4Blue addresses critical data gaps and fosters transparent governance in marine management. By enhancing stakeholder engagement and policy efficacy, this framework supports sustainable marine governance, aligning ecological preservation with policy objectives.