Key Messages 

1) The maritime sector is of relatively low economic significance in the coastal areas of northern Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Denmark, most parts of northern Germany, Ireland, the French coasts, as well as in the coastal areas of mainland Portugal (with the exception of Lisbon and the Algarve), southern Italy, large parts of mainland Greece, and some coastal areas of Bulgaria and Romania.

2) Maritime rural areas in the peripheries of Europe display low levels of human use and weak land-sea interactions.

3) Pressure on the maritime environment is low in areas relatively distant to the coasts. Along the coastlines of the Arctic Sea the environmental pressure tends to be lower than in many other coastal areas in Europe. At the same time, the Arctic is the most vulnerable maritime environment in Europe with enormous virgin natural resources. 

More information

ESaTDOR - European Seas and Territorial Development, Opportunities and Risks