Ecosystem threats (Task 5.2)

As this task assesses and prioritises the hazards and threats to the ecosystem and resource availability as presented in the reports and reviews from WP2, WP3 and WP4, it is dependent on the timely completion of those deliverables.

Background and Rationale

This multi-faceted task ( compilation, review and assessment of hazards and threats to the ecosystem and resource availability) attempted to make a synthesis of the reviews from WP2, WP3 and WP4. ( Report on potential hazards and threats from Global change; review of available information on the role and exploitation of gas hydrates and other non-living resources in order to identify future action; role of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystem structures and functions affecting eutrophication, habitat loss, biodiversity changes).

The main aim of the task however was to assess the potential socio-economic impact of each of the threats mentioned in the above deliverables, and thus compile a comparative analysis of the potential hazards and threats to the social and economic web of the coastal societies emanating both from global change and the mounting anthropogenic pressure.