2. Ecosystem services
In this paper, we distinguish between two major
categories of ecosystem services: fundamental and
demand-derived ecosystem services (Table 1). By
‘fundamental ecosystem services’ we mean those
that are essential for ecosystem function and resilience,
such as nutrient cycling. These are ultimately
a prerequisite for human existence,
irrespective of whether humans are aware of it or
not. Such services are often not linked to any
specific economic market value. The ‘demandderived
ecosystem services’, such as recreational
values, are formed by human values and demands,
and not necessarily fundamental for the
survival of human societies. Nevertheless, all demand-derived
ecosystem services ultimately depend
on natural systems and the fundamental
ecosystem services provided by fish, and are not
replaceable by technological innovations.