Stronger Shores: A Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register for the North East UK Coastline. Part One INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL CAPITAL ASSETS AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICE BENEFITS

In this Stronger Shores programme study we address the aim of improving understanding of the costs and benefits of kelp, seagrass and native oyster habitats with regard to coastal erosion, flood risk, climate change, biodiversity management and wider benefits by providing a Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register for the North East England coast, with a focus on the Stronger Shores pilot sites. The Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register provides evidence of the wide range of existing benefits provided by the marine and coastal environment in North East England, as well as the additional benefits that Stronger Shores Nature based Solution pilot projects will provide. In this Part One (of three reports) we highlight the benefits of kelp, seagrass and native oyster habitats, alongside the existing marine and coastal habitats in the study area, with regard to prevention of coastal erosion and reduction of flood risk. Part One also considers wider benefits to enabling a healthier climate, food provisioning, regulation of clean water and sediments as well as cultural benefits including recreation, tourism and education. Further reports; Part Two – The full Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register and; Part Three – which identifies the role of the Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register in the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) appraisal process.