This project assessed the dual impact of human activity and natural pressures on the Mediterranean and Black Seas. PERSEUS merged natural and socio-economic sciences to predict the long-term effects of these pressures on marine ecosystems. Within its research framework, the project developed tools to evaluate environmental status based on existing and upgraded monitoring and modelling capabilities. These incorporated integrated methods to make a better use of indicators (satellite, model, observations and trophic state).

PERSEUS contributed towards providing scientific rationale for a basin-wide promotion of the principles and objectives put forward in the MSFD. It also fostered international scientific cooperation by in situ experiments, capacity building and formation of networks. In an attempt to reach the GES for 2020, development of scenarios for environmental status in the decadal scale took place. These included design scenarios, projection of anthropogenic and natural pressures, modelling ecosystem response and extracting indicators and assess the effectiveness of scenarios contributing to the GES.

An important aim of this project was the development of a framework which incorporates future implementation of adaptive policies and management schemes that analyse the vulnerable sectors and regions, identify hard and soft adaptation options and assessment of criteria and cost effectiveness.