Linking marine ecosystems to human well-being: cetacean watching in the Basque coast

Marine ecosystem services provide diverse social and economic benefits; however, their sustained supply is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. To determine environmental integrity and promote human well-being, it is necessary to investigate the functioning of marine ecosystem services. Marine cultural ecosystem benefits, such as wildlife tourism, are increasingly valued for their contributions to human well-being and local economies. This study applies the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) cascade framework to assess the ‘presence of cetaceans’ cultural ecosystem service along the Basque coast (Bay of Biscay). The links in the cascade between the different steps were analysed focusing on Delphinus delphis, the most common cetacean species in the area, and cetacean community in general. Indicators for each step of the cascade were chosen to link the environmental and socio-economic systems. Sociocultural valuation using validated psychometric scales, the Positive and Negative Affection Scale (PANAS) and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS), showed that cetacean sightings enhanced participants’ emotional well-being and restorative experiences, especially among women and those with strong nature connectedness. The study shows that meteorological and oceanographic variables (wind speed and wave height) strongly limit the recreational activity and consequently, the human benefits derived from it. These findings demonstrate the utility of the CICES cascade in capturing the complex flow from ecological conditions (biophysical factors, function and services supply) to human benefits and values. This approach highlights the importance of combining sociocultural valuations with more traditional ecological and economic valuations, to fully understand nature’s contributions to people.