Ryhmäkuva

Models supporting practical restoration of habitats and species in Europe’s seas

  • Duration: 2026 - 2030
  • Status: Ongoing
  • Budget: 6000000

MORSE supports marine ecosystem restoration in Europe by developing new tools and approaches for evidence-based decision-making. The project is building an integrated modelling framework that combines ecosystem, pressure, and climate models to support the planning of restoration actions. MORSE strengthens the knowledge base of national authorities and helps identify the most effective restoration measures.
The project brings together researchers, communication professionals, social scientists, and stakeholder engagement experts from across Europe. Working closely with authorities and restoration practitioners, MORSE co-develops restoration pathways that are grounded in scientific evidence and advanced modelling. Collaboration and shared learning are supported through a Theory of Change framework that guides stakeholder engagement throughout the project.
The modelling framework incorporates the ecological requirements of species and habitats, ecological connectivity, and the effectiveness of active restoration measures. Results are assessed under a range of future climate and socio-economic scenarios to ensure that restoration strategies remain effective under changing conditions.
The ultimate goal of MORSE is to identify restoration actions that are ecologically effective, socially acceptable, and policy-relevant, thereby supporting the recovery of resilient marine ecosystems in a changing climate. The project also places a strong emphasis on capacity building through training activities and practical guidance materials for authorities and restoration practitioners.

Basic project information

Project management
Samuli Korpinen (Syke)
Project team
Päivi Haapasaari, Leena Laamanen-Nicolas, Elina Virtanen, Louise Forsblom, Jonna Piiparinen, Niina Kotamäki, Janne Ropponen, Samuli Pitzen, Niko Kallio, Marco Nurmi, Maria Söderholm, Satu Soini, Riikka Puntila-Dodd, Patrik Ståhl
Financiers
Horizon Europe
Partners
Syke, SLU, Plymouth Marine Lab, Cefas, UNEP-WCMC, AZTI, CSIC, Science Crunchers, AUTH, CLMAZUL, IMR, Ecopath International Initiative
Subject area
Sea

Objectives

Integrated Modelling Framework for Marine Restoration

MORSE is developing a novel modelling framework that combines ecosystem, pressure, and climate models into a single decision-support system. The framework enables the assessment of how restoration measures, protection strategies, and climate change will influence marine ecosystems over time.

Restoration Pathways for Future Marine Ecosystems

The project will generate alternative restoration pathways that show how marine ecosystems can be restored under different climate and socio-economic futures. These pathways combine pressure reduction measures, marine protected areas, and active restoration actions into practical management options.

Tools for Setting Restoration Targets

MORSE will provide science-based thresholds and reference values to help define when species, habitats, and ecosystems have reached a good ecological condition. These tools will support the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Assessing the Role of Marine Protected Areas and Ecological Connectivity

The project will evaluate how effectively existing marine protected area networks support biodiversity recovery and ecosystem restoration under changing environmental conditions. The results will help identify areas where protection and restoration can deliver the greatest ecological benefits

Practical Tools, Training, and Restoration Guidance

MORSE will translate scientific results into practical resources for authorities and restoration practitioners. These include restoration fact sheets, guidance documents, training materials, and decision-support tools that facilitate the application of modelling results in real-world planning and restoration efforts.

Published 14.8.2026