Marine spatial planning: Coordinating divergent marine interests

Globally, ecosystem-based marine spatial planning has become a useful instrument to coordinate the planning of different authorities. This, for balancing different requirements when managing marine areas and space. In the planning process, ecology is setting limits to which human activities are acceptable to the society. The use of the marine environment can be planned similarly as the land environment. We argue that there are several aspects which must be taken into consideration. Marine activities have traditionally been planned and managed in a sectoral way. Today, it has become obvious that a more holistic, multi-sectoral and coordinated approach is needed in future successful marine planning and management. The increased awareness of the importance of the oceans and seas challenges the traditional sector division and geographical limits in marine policy and calls for better coordinated and coherent marine policies.

Automated summary

Globally, ecosystem-based marine spatial planning plays a key role in coordinating different authorities to balance the diverse requirements in managing marine areas and space. Ecology sets limits on acceptable human activities and multiple aspects must be considered in the planning process. A more holistic, multi-sectoral, and coordinated approach is needed for successful marine planning and management, challenging traditional sector division and calling for better coordinated marine policies.