Editorial: Using Ecological Models to Support and Shape Environmental Policy Decisions

Marine and coastal ecosystems are directly or indirectly affected by human activities (Von Glasow et al., 2013; Halpern et al., 2019; He and Silliman, 2019; O'hara et al., 2021). Because of their complexity, predicting the effects of regulations and management measures on these ecosystems has been a challenging task (Leslie and Mcleod, 2007; Ruckelshaus et al., 2008; Link et al., 2018; Stephenson et al., 2018). Ecological and socio-ecological models have been recognized to be essential for addressing this issue (Heymans et al., 2018, 2020). These tools can provide an integrative image of key mechanisms and processes at different scales (e.g., from coastal to basin scales) and hierarchical levels (e.g., individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems) and can be used to explore the consequences of alternative policies or management scenarios (Piroddi et al., 2015; Lynam et al., 2016; Holsman et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2017). Such models have long been used and developed in academic and research settings, but not operationally. More recently they have been used as heuristic tools for policy and management, e.g., to understand general patterns in ecosystem structure and functioning, or for qualitative assessment of the impact of single or multiple pressures on selected species/functional groups (Punde et al., 2017; Ostlaender et al., 2019; Townsend et al., 2019; Link and Marshak, 2021). These types of models have a great potential to directly underpin policies and management decisions, and this potential is beginning to be realized.\n\nThis Research Topic showcases recent advancements in modeling tools to directly support environmental management and policies for the sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources. The geographic scope covers coasts, enclosed seas and open oceans, around Europe and the USA This collection of 27 articles highlights the types of models currently being used, the policies and environmental aspects covered, as well as gaps and actions needed to better link models and policies for improving the management and the restoration of our oceans.