Evaluación ambiental marina

Solutions

We develop indicators, methods and assessment tools that make it possible to determine the good environmental status of marine ecosystems, harmonising criteria at different scales (from water bodies to regional seas) in coordination with competent authorities and international conventions.

We use integrated approaches that combine biological, physical and chemical components through tools such as NEAT (Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool), developed by AZTI. We also assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the management measures adopted by the Member States.

Assessment of the ecological status and environmental status of estuarine and coastal areas

We implement monitoring networks and programmes to assess the ecological and environmental status of estuarine and coastal areas, applying established monitoring indicators and proposing programmes of measures to improve environmental status:

Networks and monitoring programmes for ecological status
Programmes of measures to improve environmental status (proposals and assessment of their effectiveness).
Use and maintenance of developed indicators such as AMBI, M-AMBI, AFI, etc.

Methods for the assessment of ecological status and environmental status

Development of methods and tools for the assessment of ecological and environmental status in line with the requirements of the WFD and MSFD:

AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index) to assess ecological quality based on benthic communities.
Biotic indices based on DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA, including microorganisms, benthos and fish (gAMBI, gAFI, Microbial Mandala).
NEAT (Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool).
Tikta: software under development in the GES4SEAS project for (1) assessing the risk posed by cumulative pressures on marine ecosystems, (2) assessing impacts on the marine environment in line with the MSFD, and (3) assessing ecosystem services, all in an integrated manner.
Determination of environmental quality standards for metals in water and sediments, including bioaccumulation effects, with data on the presence of TBT in water, sediments and gastropods (including passive sampling techniques such as Chemcatchers, which provide labile concentrations integrated over exposure time), hexachlorocyclohexane in water and the study of its evolution in transitional areas, as well as emerging (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc.) and priority substances.One Health concept: determining the links between environmental status (affected by activities and pressures), its effects on ecosystem components (and the services they provide) and its effects on human health and well-being (through the socio-economic valuation of the benefits generated by these services).
Development of indicators for marine litter and microplastics: monitoring methods, indicators, criteria and thresholds already developed and accepted by Europe for different matrices, such as seabirds, etc.
Prediction of potential effects of pressures or corrective measures through experimentation and mathematical or statistical modelling (AI).
Definition of reference conditions, background values and quality objectives for different matrices.
Application of methods for hydromorphological assessment and their use to define ecological potential (intercalibration, etc.).
Transfer of results to managers and public authorities.

Our services

Solutions to assess the environmental status of the marine environment using diagnostic tools, ecological monitoring and analysis of the impact of human activity, as well as providing technical support for management and regulatory compliance.

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Our products

Indices, tools, and platforms developed by AZTI to assess marine ecological status.

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Oceanographic ships and craft

AZTI has its own and partner fleets to support oceanographic and fishery research, combining its own resources with the support of specialist companies and public institutions. This capacity ensures that scientific campaigns can be carried out at sea and in coastal areas with the highest technical and safety levels.

Water and sediment environmental quality laboratories

Infrastructures specialised in physical-chemical, microbiological and toxicological analysis of marine and coastal samples.

Biotechnology and molecular biotechnology laboratories

Focused on genetic analysis, identification of microorganisms, development of functional ingredients, and biomolecular studies.

Assessing the state of health of the marine environment

Solutions

Assessment of the ecological status and environmental status of estuarine and coastal areas

Methods for the assessment of ecological status and environmental status

Our services

Our products

Oceanographic ships and craft

Water and sediment environmental quality laboratories

Biotechnology and molecular biotechnology laboratories

Scientific committees

EMECS. International Center for Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas

Fundación Gadea Ciencia

HCMR. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research- Institute of Oceanography

IPBES. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

MARE. Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre

SUSTAINMARE. German Marine Research Alliance

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