Abstract
This study advances the integration of ecosystem services (ES) into maritime spatial planning and management by developing a structured framework that links blue economy sectors with their associated pressures and potential impacts on ecosystem services and socio-economic values. By doing so, it addresses a key gap in current practice: the fragmented treatment of ecological, sectoral and social priorities in isolation. The framework was built by adapting the DAPSI(W)R(M) approach—Drivers, Activities, Pressures, State changes, Impacts (on human Welfare) and Responses (as management Measures)—and integrating insights from ecosystem services literature, sector-specific analysis and socio-economic criteria. It was then applied qualitatively to two case-study sectors (fisheries and offshore renewable energy) to identify key interactions, assess potential trade-offs and illustrate management responses. While not intended as a site-specific or quantitative impact assessment, the framework shows how trade-offs between ecosystem health and socio-economic needs can be more clearly visualised and discussed.