Payment for ecosystem services provided by mussels, oysters and seaweed: Dataset on exploring mechanisms to pay for ecosystem services provided by mussels, oysters and seaweed

This study aims to identify and evaluate mechanisms for realize payment for ecosystem services provided by mussels, oyster and seaweed. The economic feasibility of farming of these marine lower trophic species is often a critical issue. In addition to efforts made to innovate and reduce costs of production, it is argued that valuing the ecosystem services provided by the production of these lower trophic species can benefit the business case. The Delphi method was applied to identify and evaluate mechanisms for payment for ecosystem services with experts across the world in various sectors, including industry, NGO, science and government. Three rounds of consultation were organized in the period June-September 2020. The Delphi method was applied remotely; all participants received the questionnaires and submitted the response per e-mail, and the study team merged all replies, to be shared in subsequent rounds.