Pathways to Social-Ecological Indicators: A Review of 148 Marine Framework Indicators

A 2026 review of 148 marine environmental indicators developed under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, HELCOM, OSPAR, and UN SDGs. The dataset, authored by Aurelija Armoskaite, operationalizes social-ecological indicators using the DAPSI(W)R(M) butterfly model. It identifies only nine indicators that fully connect ecological and social dimensions, drawing on examples like the Ocean Health Index.

Use Cases

• Classifying environmental indicators along the DAPSI(W)R(M) cause-effect chain based on the described framework.
• Developing compound social-ecological indices based on the methodology illustrated by the Ocean Health Index.
• Adapting non-SE indicators for integration into digital twins, such as the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, based on proposed criteria.
• Assessing indicator complexity and normative basis for marine policy evaluation as described in the study.

Strengths

• Includes a review of 148 specific marine environmental indicators from major international bodies.
• Proposes a clear, literature-based definition for social-ecological indicators, identifying nine that qualify.
• Licensed under CC-BY-4.0, permitting open sharing and adaptation.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The 103.8 KB file size suggests a limited, likely metadata-focused dataset rather than extensive raw data.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Aurelija Armoskaite.

Collection Method

Review and analysis of indicators from the MSFD, HELCOM, OSPAR, EEA, and UN SDGs, supplemented by a literature study.

Time Range

Analysis is contemporary, referencing the SEADITO project (2024–2027).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-15 22:01:27.

Geography

Focus is on European marine regions and relevant UN SDGs.