Decision-Support Tools Used in the Baltic Sea Area: Performance and End-User Preferences.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Management
• Marine Ecology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Decision-support tools (DSTs) are crucial for synthesizing complex data to aid environmental managers.
• The Baltic Sea faces significant environmental challenges requiring effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review DSTs in the Baltic Sea area.
• To assess the integration of the ecosystem approach within these DSTs.
• To evaluate DST coverage of environmental problems and their alignment with end-user needs.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of DSTs using performance criteria and end-user preferences.
• Analysis of end-user involvement in tool development.
• Assessment of developer/host experiences with DST application.

Main Results:

• DSTs commonly address eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and pollution but seldom provide a complete ecosystem approach.
• While scientifically sound, DSTs often poorly communicate output uncertainty.
• End-user preferences are generally considered, but deeper involvement in development is lacking.
• DSTs are reportedly underutilized, suggesting potential for increased impact.

Conclusions:

• DSTs in the Baltic Sea require enhanced integration of the ecosystem approach.
• Increased end-user participation in DST development is recommended to improve their value and application.
• Streamlining DST outputs for holistic insight can better serve the ecosystem approach for management actions.