Assessment and Modelling of Baltic Ecosystem Response (AMBER)

The aim of AMBER is the implementation and application of the Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) to the Baltic Sea, considering the most important environmental threats, i.e. climate change, eutrophication and fisheries. The result is a qualitative risk assessments for various climate change scenarios, land uses and life style change scenarios. The risk assessment is the basis for mitigation strategies, which are necessary tools for an integrated management. The research conducted within AMBER will contribute to the further development and implementation of the EAM, considering the most important environmental threats, i.e. climate change, eutrophication and fisheries. Developing systems of Indicators and Reference Targets and/or Limits is a crucial step towards the development of an EAM. These Ecological Quality Objectives quantitatively describe ecosystem state, ecosystem properties or impacts. Finally, cost-effective indicators will be developed to improve monitoring strategies and to guide environmental management in decision making.