Marine SABRES at Euro 2025

We would like to congratulate our Marine SABRES colleague Gemma Smith (IECS Ltd. and UKRI) who participated in Euro 2025 in Leeds this week. As part of this event, which saw over 2000 delegates meeting to explore the applications of Operational Research across disciplines,  Gemma delivered a presentation on the work she has been undertaking as part of the Marine SABRES project and provided a detailed overview of a Systems Approach for Marine Management. 

The management of marine environments, characterised by their complex and adaptive nature, necessitates a robust framework that can effectively integrate natural and anthropogenic components. This research focuses on the application of Systems Thinking to marine Social-Ecological Systems (SES), acknowledging the inherent intricacy and dynamic interactions that define these environments.

This study that Gemma presented at Euro 2025, demonstrated the application of systems tools and fundamentals. By conceptualising marine systems as shared SESs, she underscore the importance of an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. The research highlighted in this talk emphasised the application Systems approaches, alongside foundational SES frameworks and principles, to address multifaceted environmental challenges. These challenges include the reduction of complexity, the optimisation of data management, consideration of uncertainties, and the fostering of active stakeholder engagement, all of which are essential for the uptake and operationalisation of Ecosystem-Based Management. It underlines the role of Systems Thinking in navigating the complexities of marine SES, aiming to achieve a balanced and sustainable integration of conservation, societal well-being, and economic objectives.

This discussion highlighted the potential of a systems approach to enhance decision-making processes within marine management, providing practical guidance for addressing the multifaceted interactions within these ecosystems.

Would you like to know more about the role and application of SES in Marine SABRES? Why not explore our collection of technical reports and publications below!

1. Baseline assessment of Social-Ecological System models (Technical Report)

2. The minimum complexity necessary: The value of a simple Social-Ecological systems analysis in holistic marine environmental management (Peer Reviewed Article)

3. A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Improve Validation Practices for Qualitative Models of Marine Social-Ecological Systems (Peer Reviewed Article)

4. The Simple SES Guidance and Cross-cutting Theme Briefing Papers (Technical Report)

5. Review of the Literature on Social-Ecological Systems (Technical Report)

Session Details

• Gemma Smith (Oral Presentation) | Title: Navigating Complexity: Systems Thinking for Integrated Marine Social-Ecological System Management | Session: TB-39 - Sustainability & Infrastructure Systems | Location: LG.01: Tuesday 24th June, 2025 (10:30am)

Read the full programme of events here!