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Published April 15, 2024 | Version v1
Project deliverable Open

Operational ecosystem-based maritime spatial planning (EB-MSP) framework and guidance for practical implementation

Creators

  • 1. ROR icon AZTI
  • 2. ROR icon Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
  • 3. University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
  • 4. ROR icon Institute of Natural Sciences
  • 5. ROR icon University of the Aegean
  • 6. Thünen-Institut für Seefischerei

Description

EB-MSP is a holistic approach to MSP which manages sustainable human activities accounting for ecosystem processes, the biological and physical dynamics of marine and coastal systems, and the interconnectedness of marine and coastal ecosystems. However, despite the growing recognition of its benefits, as yet EB-MSP is not fully implemented in European countries. The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD, (EC, 2014), provides a framework for MSP letting its implementation open to each Member State. The lack of a standardized framework for the implementation of an Ecosystem-Based Approach (EBA) to MSP, results in different forms with a mixed combination of principles. In addition, present national MSP processes differ greatly, as local conditions and governance frameworks tend to emphasize specific issues and planning objectives driving therefore context-specific approaches.

Taking all this into account, and aiming at facilitating the implementation of the EB-MSP for competent authorities and consultants, a review of the most relevant EB-MSP literature (i.e., 22 scientific publications and 14 technical reports) was conducted with the purpose of (i) identifying the main impediments to the implementation of EB-MSP reported in scientific publications and technical reports (see Section 3); (ii) defining the most frequently used terms in the framework of MSP and EBA or EBM (Ecosystem-Based Management), which are used interchangeably in the literature (see Section 4); (iii) defining the key operating principles for the operationalization of EBA to MSP (see Section 5); and (iv) selecting the most appropriate structure for the development of an operational EB-MSP implementation process template (see Section 6).

Future works as part of the MarinePlan project are described in Section 7, which encompasses the further development and improvement of the EB-MSP process template and the development of a comprehensive Decision Support System (DSS) which aligns each step of an EB-MSP implementation process to the required data, knowledge and tools. The DSS for EB-MSP will enable both strategic guidance and technical solutions based on best practices to deliver guidance for EB-MSP.

Files

D1.1- EB-MSP Framework and guidance.pdf

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
MarinePlan - Improved transdisciplinary science for effective ecosystem-based maritime spatial planning and conservation in European Seas (MarinePlan) 101059407
UK Research and Innovation
Improved transdisciplinary science for effective ecosystem-based maritime spatial planning and conservation in European Seas (MarinePlan) 10050537
UK Research and Innovation
MarinePlan 10038951