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Anthropogenic pressures threaten the provision of marine and coastal ecosystem services (MCES) that are essential for human well-being. Ecosystem-based marine spatial management that is informed by mapping and assessing MCES and pressures is needed. Using an expert-based matrix approach based on literature findings, this study maps and assesses the potential capacity of MCES provision in Cascais and Sines. The results show that provisioning services are potentially provided at high levels, whereas regulatory and cultural services are only provided by certain habitats. The potential pressures were identified, which relate mainly to recreational and tourist activities in Cascais. An expert survey was conducted to obtain more precise data, the results of which cannot yet be presented.

Anthropogenic pressures threaten the provision of marine and coastal ecosystem services (MCES) that are essential for human well-being. Ecosystem-based marine spatial management that is informed by mapping and assessing MCES and pressures is needed. Using an expert-based matrix approach based on literature findings, this study maps and assesses the potential capacity of MCES provision in Sines. The results show that provisioning services are potentially provided at high levels, whereas regulatory and cultural services are only provided by certain habitats. The potential pressures were identified, which relate mainly to the maritime-industrial complex in Sines. An expert survey was conducted to obtain more precise data, the results of which cannot yet be presented.

Although the deep sea accounts for around 95% of the global biosphere, it is the least scientifically known habitat on the planet. Valuable minerals to the energy transition lie in it, while environmental impacts of extracting them still remain inconclusive. Portugal has demonstrated contrasting interests with regard to deep sea mining. This interdisciplinary case study breaks down the conundrum of deep sea mining to a lay audience on the topic, exposing students to the problem’s complexity. It aims to support sustainable decision making on the subject and prepare future decision-makers to highly challenging political scenarios.