Multivariate Ecosystem Services Index

We solicit your help to quantify ecosystem services in the surface layer (from 0 to 150 m depth) of the pelagic realm (bottom depth > 50 m) of the Mediterranean.

  • Charles Figuières, LAMETA (index definition)
  • Jean-Olivier Irisson, LOV (index application)
  • Gabriel Reygondeau, LOV (ecosystem models)

The goal is to get a first, synthetic view of ecosystem services levels across the whole basin. For this, we ask for your estimate of the contribution of various functional groups to relevant ecosystem services. You can learn more about the scientific context of the study, in the frame of the MERMEX and PERSEUS programs.

In the matrix below, fill lines of functional groups or the columns of services you are knowledgeable about. You do not have to fill the whole matrix, but do not limit yourself either (you probably know more than an average person on any group or service). To get examples of what fits in each functional group or category of service, place the mouse over the name.

First, in the "Expertise" column, evaluate your knowledge of the functional group:

  • 0% means you are as knowledgeable as a member of the general public;
  • 100% means colleagues in your field come to you for advice on this group.

Then, in all other columns, estimate how much each group could directly contribute to each ecosystem service:

  • 0% means the functional group does not contribute at all;
  • 100% means that, when abundant enough, this functional group alone could provide the service completely. This can be true for several services; lines or columns do not necessarily sum to 100.
  • Deleterious effects can be expressed as negative percentages.

IMPORTANT: Only direct effects should be considered. Indirects effects, through the food web, will be taken in account in another way. For example, even though phytoplankton is necessary for everything else to live, it is not directly edible, so its direct contribution to "Food" should be low or zero.

Provisioning services Regulating services Cultural services Support services
Expertise
Food
Medical resources
Biotechnology resources
Energy
Ornamental resources
Minerals and materials
Air quality regulation
Climate regulation
Organic waste processing
Science and culture
Aesthetism and inspiration
Cultural heritage
Recreation and ecotourism
Primary production
Di-oxygen production
Nutrient cycling
Turtles
Sharks, rays
Cephalopods
Marine birds
Seals
Baleen whales
Toothed whales
Omnivorous fishes
Planktivorous fishes
Predator jellies
Predator crustaceans
Predator molluscs
Filter-feeding jellies
Filter-feeding crust.
Filter-feeding mol.
Microphytoplankton
Pico and nanophyto.
Bacteria

Please provide your name or institution so that we can credit your contribution in the final work. Your email address will never be public.


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This work is part of MERMEX WP5 Marine Regionalisation Planning and PERSEUS Subtask 1.1.6 Ecoregionalisation

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