Ecosystem Services Supporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Assessments of Navigation Waterways Deepening Based on Data, Experts, and a 3D Ecosystem Model

Gerald Schernewski (), Mara Jekat, Frank Kösters, Thomas Neumann, Swantje Steffen and Miriam von Thenen
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Gerald Schernewski: Research Unit—Coastal Seas and Society, Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany
Mara Jekat: Research Unit—Coastal Seas and Society, Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany
Frank Kösters: Federal Waterway Engineering and Research Institute, Hydraulic Engineering in Coastal Areas, Wedeler Landstraße 157, D-22559 Hamburg, Germany
Thomas Neumann: Department of Physical Oceanography and Instrumentation, Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany
Swantje Steffen: Heinrich Hirdes GmbH, Alter Hafen Nord 210, D-18069 Rostock, Germany
Miriam von Thenen: Research Unit—Coastal Seas and Society, Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Seestraße 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-25

Abstract: The navigation waterways to the harbors of Rostock (Warnow Estuary), Germany, and Szczecin (Oder/Szczecin Lagoon), Poland, were recently deepened. Both activities required Environmental Impact Assessments. We conducted expert- and data-based ecosystem service assessments for both case studies. Additionally, we performed 3D-ecosystem model simulations. For the Oder Lagoon, the model results show that the waterway deepening increased the burial in sediments by 807 t N/a, 112 t P/a and 4661 T C/a. However, altogether, the impacts of the deepening to 12.5 m draught on the lagoon ecosystem are minor and a model application is not necessary, but the results improve the data basis for ecosystem service assessments. Our expert-based ecosystem service approach is adaptable to the needs of coastal engineering and hydraulic projects and is both easy and quick to apply and transferable. The assessment results highlight the relevance of cultural services and can complement EIAs. Our approach can especially support the early scoping stage of an EIA. It has the potential to enhance cooperation and communication with and between stakeholders, reduce conflicts, and save time. Additionally, it could improve the compilation and addressing of stakeholder concerns, potentially reducing costs associated with unnecessary studies.

Keywords: shipping channel; harbor; ecosystem service assessment; sediments; nutrient burial; Baltic Sea; stakeholder; Environmental Impact Assessment; Natura 2000; coastal waters (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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