Use of pollution risk and ecosystem service values in marine management strategies in Bohai Sea, China

ABSTRACT

Different coastal areas possess different pollution risks and ecosystem service values. The management strategies in these areas also differ. With limited environmental funds available, it is necessary to conduct in-depth study of pollution risks and ecosystem service values for developing marine conservation and management strategies. This paper proposes a management method that combines marine pollution risks and ecosystem service values to identify the management priorities of different sites, which are used to determine the appropriate management strategies. The management priorities of different bays in China's Bohai Sea were determined, and management strategies were recommended. The method can be used to determine effective management strategies for oceans around the world, especially in developing countries with limited environmental protection funds.

KEYWORDS:

• pollution
• risk
• ecosystem
• value
• management

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank people from collaboration departments for assistance in data compilation, analysis, and interpretation.

Funding

This research was supported by the Key Program of Liaoning Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science (Grant No. L15AJY014), the Liaoning Science and Technology Project (Grant No. 2012220008), and the National Ocean Soft Science Project (Grant No. JJYX201612-1).