摘要：We compared and contrasted 11 European case studies to identify challenges and opportunitiestoward the operationalization of marine and coastal ecosystem service (MCES) assessments inEurope. This work is the output of a panel convened by the Marine Working Group of theEcosystem Services Partnership in September 2016. The MCES assessments were used to (1) addressmultiple policy objectives simultaneously, (2) interpret EU-wide policies to smaller scales and (3)inform local decision-making. Most of the studies did inform decision makers, but only in a fewcases, the outputs were applied or informed decision-making. Significant limitations among the 11assessments were the absence of shared understanding of the ES concept, data and knowledgegaps, difficulties in accounting for marine social–ecological systems complexity and partial stakeholder involvement. The findings of the expert panel call for continuous involvement of MCES ‘endusers’, integrated knowledge on marine social–ecological systems, defining thresholds to MCES useand raising awareness to the general public. Such improvements at the intersection of science,policy and practice are essential starting points toward building a stronger science foundationsupporting management of European marine ecosystems.
