Project objective: To enhance the knowledge and information base on the state of the marine environment and its impact factors. This includes data and information collection, analysis, and the development of methods, models, and assessment systems related to the marine environment, its pressures, and interactions, as well as socio-economic aspects.
The research aims to provide the necessary foundation for implementing the Integrated Maritime Policy in Latvia:
1) a programme of measures to achieve and maintain good environmental status of the marine environment in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy and legislation on the protection and management of the marine environment;
2) maritime spatial planning in accordance with Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning.
Project implementation: several major studies have been started in 2024 to achieve the project’s objective:
– Daugavpils University Agency “Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology” has launched a study to improve knowledge on marine ecosystems, the state of the marine environment, the pressures and their mutual impacts;
– Aktiivs Ltd has started research to improve the knowledge and information base for economic and social analysis of marine use and the achievement of marine environmental objectives.
Results of the previously implemented European Maritime and Fisheries Fund financed project “Improving knowledge on the state of the marine environment” (2017-2022) available in the website of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development: https://www.varam.gov.lv/en/projects/marine-environment-protection
