Ocean Health Index+independent assessmentsA healthy ocean sustainably delivers a range of benefits to people both now and in the future

Many government initiatives emphasize the need for keeping oceans healthy, without comprehensive methods for measuring ocean health. The Ocean Health Index is the first integrated assessment framework that scientifically combines key biological, physical, economic, and social elements of the ocean’s health. Overall Index scores are a combination of ten components, or ‘goals’, of ocean health. These scores are calculated using the best available data and indicators at the scale of the assessment. Scores reflect how well coastal regions optimize their potential ocean benefits and services in a sustainable way relative to a reference point (target), on a scale of 0 to 100.

Methods for calculating the Ocean Health Index were developed at a global scale, combining dozens of data sets to produce annual Index scores for coastal nations and territories. Using the same framework, independent assessments allow for exploration of variables influencing ocean health at the smaller scales where policy and management decisions are made. Goal models and targets are created using higher resolution data, indicators, and priorities, which produce scores better reflecting local realities. This enables scientists, managers, policy makers, and the public to better and more holistically understand, track, and communicate the status of local marine ecosystems, and to design strategic management actions to improve overall ocean health.

process & outcomesCalculating an Ocean Health Index+ requires engagement from as many different groups as possible, including research institutions, government agencies, policy groups, non-governmental organizations, and the civil and private sectors. The process for developing an independent assessment can be as valuable as the final calculated scores, since it creates an ocean alliance that combines knowledge and cultural values from many different perspectives and disciplines. The Ocean Health Index+ framework is flexible to accommodate regional priorities: goal models can be modified to incorporate the best available local data and indicators, or excluded entirely to best represent regional attributes.

Ocean Health Index+ scores can be recalculated annually as new data become available. This can establish a baseline of ocean health and serve as a monitoring mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of actions and policies in improving the status of overall ocean health. Transparency and clear communication of the process, as well as the resulting scores, are fundamental to the Ocean Health Index+, and flower plots (such as the one shown here for Brazil) are one way to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

BrazilCase Study Goal Scores

A Qualified TeamGiven the multidisciplinary nature of the Index, the team conducting an independent assessment will require members with specific skills, including:

• having broad scientific understanding and experience with environmental policy

• being comfortable with handling large data sets, making decisions, and thinking creatively

• working with ArcGIS or other spatial analysis software• working with the software program R and user-created

packages• collaborating well in a multidisciplinary team, remotely

and in person

DataIndex scores are a reflection of data quality, and thus accessing the best data available is of highest importance. Data from existing environmental, social, and economic indicators may be used. All data will be rescaled to specific reference points (targets) before being combined; therefore setting these reference points at the appropriate scale is a fundamental component of any Ocean Health Index assessment. This requires the team to interpret the philosophy of each Index goal and sub-goal using the best available data and indicators.

requirements

Scores were calculated for all 17 of Brazil’s coastal states and combined to produce goal and

sub-goal scores for Brazil as a whole. Overall scores are shown as petals in this flower plot: petal length indicates the score of each goal or sub-goal and petal width indicates the

goal weighting (here, each goal is weighted equally, with sub-goals being half of each goal).

ten goals for healthy oceansThe Index combines key services from the coastal ocean, including provisioning services (food provision, natural products), regulating services (carbon storage, coastal protection) and cultural services (tourism & recreation, sense of place, and values from clean waters and biodiversity), along with central aspects of human well-being that flow from multiple services (artisanal fishing opportunities and coastal livelihoods & economies).

task timelineThere are four interconnected phases in the Ocean Health Index+ assessment process. The collaborative nature of the process allows members to work individually but with close communication for making decisions, particularly when developing goal models and setting targets.

FundingIndependent assessments can be completed at varying costs depending on the local context. Funds are needed for a management and scientific team, workshops and meetings (including travel), communications, policy engagement, and operating costs. Therefore, securing funding is an important component to satisfactorily complete the assessment. We encourage the development of a local proposal or strategic action plan that details a timeline of activities and the resources needed to accomplish them.

Policy and Management InterestIndependent assessments can be used to inform government policies to improve ocean health.This is most effective if there is interest and engagement from policy makers and ongoing communication during Index development to best inform management actions that could have measurable impacts. Repeated assessments as new data become available enable tracking ocean health through time and evaluating management priorities.

Monitor, Evaluate, and Manage Adaptively

what we offerTo facilitate the independent assessment process we offer a series of guides, the Ocean Health Index Toolbox Application software, support of our team, and access to the Ocean Health Index online community.

Ocean Health Index Toolbox Application

The Toolbox App is open-source software developed to facilitate Index calculations at any scale. With the Toolbox App, the Ocean Health Index+ framework can be customized to incorporate the data, indicators, and priorities regarding ocean-derived benefits throughout the area of interest. It can also compare how different management scenarios could affect overall ocean health, which can inform effective strategies for ocean resource management.

Guides and Manuals

We have created a suite of guides and manuals that provide in-depth information for the Ocean Health Index+ assessment process in addition to recommendations on how to best approach the task. We offer the following:

• A Guide to Planning OHI+ Assessments and Informing Decision-Making • The Ocean Health Index Conceptual Guide • The Ocean Health Index Toolbox Manual Further Information

For more detailed information, visit www.oceanhealthindex.org/ohi-plus. There, you will find detailed information on independent assessments, findings of previous studies, and the guides listed above. Our science website ohi-science.org provides access to the Toolbox App, an Ocean Health Index wiki, and a forum for questions and discussions.

Management & technical support

Our team of scientists and managers is prepared to provide guidance for regional assessments, from initial meetings to the technical calculations to disseminating results.

www.oceanhealthindex.org/ohi-plusinfo@oceanhealthindex.org

Cover Photo © Burt Jones and Maurine ShimlockInside Spread © Keith A. Ellenbogen This Page © Luciano Candisani/iLCP

The Ocean Health Index+ is unique because it offers a comprehensive framework of combining environmental, social, and economic aspects of human-derived benefits from oceans. The framework can be tailored to capture local characteristics and priorities by incorporating the best available data and indicators in a region. Further, the Ocean Health Index can be used to:

• Integrate existing indicators and data from multiple sectors

• Assess trade-offs and positive feedbacks, which can inform policy decisions and future monitoring efforts

• Compare across geographic areas to identify management priorities

• Use public funds efficiently by identifying the most cost-effective management actions

• Identify knowledge and data gaps

benefits