Maritime spatial planning: Germany as a forerunner in ecosystem-based management?

The demand on space in the German EEZ is steadily increasing. In August 2021, Germany published a new spatial plan for its marine areas in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This article examines the extent to which the revision of the German maritime spatial plans meets the requirements of ecosystem-based management. Although the new spatial plan tries to find answers how to coordinate environmental protection issues with usage interests, not all conflicts were resolved. In particular, clarification is needed of how the expansion of renewable energies can be achieved in harmony with marine biodiversity protection.

Automated summary

The demand for space in Germany's exclusive economic zone is growing, leading to the publication of a new maritime spatial plan. However, conflicts between environmental protection and usage interests, particularly regarding the expansion of renewable energies and marine biodiversity protection, remain unresolved.