We assess ecosystem services and the benefits they provide to society in terms of provisioning (food, raw materials), regulation (climate change, nutrient transfer) and cultural services (leisure and recreation in natural environments, existence values of emblematic species, cultural values associated with traditional activities).
We analyse the ecosystem functions and processes that underpin these services, as well as the anthropogenic pressures and impacts that can alter their provision. We also develop integrated assessments of ecosystem services, considering both their ecological and socio-economic dimensions.
We develop methodologies to identify, map and quantify the services provided by marine ecosystems, such as coastal protection, blue carbon sequestration, biodiversity, fisheries, tourism and recreation.
Our ecosystem service inventories enable public authorities and productive sectors to integrate the value of natural capital into strategic plans, maritime spatial planning projects and sustainability policies.
We also study the ecosystem functions that contribute to these services and the human pressures that may affect them, with the aim of improving the management and conservation of the marine environment.
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.
Read moreSector: Fisheries and aquaculture sector