Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
thing more than a rudimentary fashion is likely to be difficult in a resource and time-con-
strained study.
Once BAU has been defined, there is then the need to provide a more focused bio-
physical appraisal of with-policy impacts. Again, there may be modelling data and experi-
mental workforsomeservices (inalllikelihood seafoodprovisioning, asthisisthebestre-
searched area), but otherwise, the MCZ-type assessment relies on (informed) expert judge-
ment.
These two principles are cross-cutting and apply to almost any conceivable ecosystem
was the process of disaggregating value estimates expressed in aggregate terms. Such an
exercise would be required in any assessment where values are only available in aggregate
terms, and as has been argued above, this scenario is likely to apply in many cases for mar-
ine assessment. Is the methodology replicable? The answer is a tentative 'yes'. The mech-
anics are fairly complex but certainly replicable, and are set out in detail in Moran
et al
.
simply be to state that 'as expert as possible, given resource constraints and limitations of
data availability' may be adequate.
But this does prompt the next question. Given the limitations of environmental eco-
nomics valuation and the specific paucity of data points for open oceans (although not for
coastal systems), is carrying out any economic analysis worthwhile?
