MOSAIC – A tool for ecosystem based spatial management of marine conservation values

Summary

Effective ecosystem-based management of marine and coastal environments requires an integrated approach across administrative areas. A standardized approach for the assessment of marine green infrastructure can ensure that the right management measures occur in the right place. MOSAIC is a tool to identify the conservation value of marine areas, in particular their importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services in coherent (viable and ecologically representative) networks. The intention is to provide a standardized and integrated framework for marine management, such as which areas should be prioritized for protection, restoration or other physical planning (including fisheries management and goals set out in the Marine Strategy Framework and Habitat Directives).