Biological Invasions Resolved through Adaptable, Versatile, and Engaging Nature-Based Solutions

BRAVE addresses the complex ecological and societal challenges associated with invasive alien species, emphasizing their multiple roles in providing benefits and burdens simultaneously. The project assesses Nature-based Solutions for managing invasive species and restoring affected ecosystems. We introduce economic tools to understand user values and assess trade-offs necessary for management.

By this, BRAVE introduces a social science perspective, into a predominantly natural science field.

Three carefully chosen case studies involving multiple countries and protected areas highlight the diverse values and stakeholder conflicts for Pacific Oyster (PO; Magallana gigas) in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; Pacific Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbusha)  in Norway; and Blue Crab (Callinectes Sapidus) in Italy and Portugal.

Highlighting the clash between economic opportunities and conservation, we aim to provide a framework for optimal policy, addressing ecological, economic, and societal concerns. The Swedish case study contributes with two aspects.

The first is a valuation study of reducing the PO in Swedish waters where the sharp POs affect bathing possibilities along the coast.

The second contribution is an estimate of consumers’ valuation of buying commercially harvested oysters which have the additional attribute of reducing an invasive species.

The Swedish case contains both positive and negative aspects of the PO while still contributing to reducing the PO in Swedish waters.