This study aims to investigate the risks posed by climate change and anthropogenic activities on ecosystem services in the Barents Sea, Norway. Using an expert assessment approach, we identify which ecosystem services are at high risk and the human activities and pressures contributing to these risks. The findings indicate that risks vary across ecosystem services, activities, and pressures; however, most are categorized as medium or low. Biodiversity, as a cultural service, and fish/shellfish, as a provisioning service, are identified as the two most threatened ecosystem services.

The adoption of biodegradable fishing gear offers a potential solution to the pervasive issue of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), a major contributor to global marine plastic pollution. ALDFG not only harms marine ecosystems but also affects fishers and the seafood industry. Lack of fishers’ acceptance is an important barrier to policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the use of such gear.

Abstract: Kenya, like many other countries, is increasingly relying on a Blue Economy approach to ensure its sustainable development, an approach founded on the premise of poverty eradication by providing sustainable livelihoods and decent work, supplying food and minerals, generating oxygen, absorbing greenhouse gases, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and serving as highways for sea-based international trade.

Key Messages
●    Consumers may avoid consuming mussels if they perceive a high risk of HAB contamination, even under government monitoring.
●    HABs have significant welfare losses for consumers, but policies to ensure food safety in seafood markets can improve social welfare.
●    Perceptions about HABs and mussel attributes play a role in explaining consumer preferences, but the link varies across contexts.