A Framework to Quantify Adaptation to Multiple Drivers

We develop an analytical framework to assess the adaptations in a coupled ecological-economic system and apply it to a bio-economic model. Our framework allows us to quantify the impact of multiple drivers on a coupled ecological-economic system, while distinguishing between adaptation and sensitivities to positive and negative exposures. This distinction allows us to differentiate between drivers that improve and decrease well-being. Our findings provide insight into how to focus resources to counteract negative or enhance positive impacts. We apply this framework to a bio-economic model calibrated to the North Sea flatfish fishery. We quantify the adaptations, sensitivities and total impact of fishers’ profits to multiple drivers and identify among which of them fishers adapt the most. This work forms a bridge between the multidisciplinary area of adaptability and the bio-economic modelling domain,increasing the understanding and knowledge regarding the measure of adaptation.