Advances in cumulative effects assessment and application in marine and coastal management

Abstract

challenges exist. Our review shows that research into how effects accumulate continues, but that there is much less evidence of research investigating how to bring that science into decision-making. The review intends to support efforts to accelerate the inclusion of cumulative effects assessment into marine and coastal planning and management. To that end, we propose research directions to bridge the gap between science, policy, and delivery. While our paper focuses on marine and coastal systems, it is straightforward to find evidence of the continuing need for good cumulative effects assessments in terrestrial and freshwater systems also. To that end, we hope that our review of recent research and proposed research directions will be of international interest and relevance.