Tools for marine spatial planning (Tool FAQ #2)

This message was posted by: Sarah Carr
Hello EBM Tools Listserver Folks,

So the second Tool Frequently-Asked Question that we would like your participation in answering is a big one:

Tool Frequently-Asked Question #2: Are there tools that can help with marine spatial planning?

The EBM Tools Network has already started compiling a Marine Spatial Planning Toolbox, and we will add your input and insight to it. And since this is such a big question, I wanted to provide some guidance in answering:

1) We are running with the definition "Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and objectives" from the UNESCO-IOC website www.unesco-ioc-marinesp.be<http://www.unesco-ioc-marinesp.be>. So MSP includes ocean zoning.

2) In our initial cut at the toolbox, we would like to focus on tools that are software or well-defined methodologies.

3) Think multi-sector when answering. Undoubtedly, an MSP process may involve a range of tools, potentially single-sector management ones. But for now, let's focus on tools for multi-sector planning and management.

4) Below are steps in an MSP process and needed tool functionality adapted from the 2009 UNESCO-IOC document "Marine Spatial Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach toward Ecosystem-based Management" (downloadable from www.unesco-ioc-marinesp.be<http://www.unesco-ioc-marinesp.be>; full citation below). The steps are directly from the document, but we have adapted the tasks and actions to be bullets representing tool functionality that is needed in these steps. When you answer, please say which step(s) you feel the tool is useful for. And if we are missing any tool functionality that is needed for MSP, let us know.

5) In addition to names and references for tools, we would like to learn about a bit about what the tool does and how it works, what it costs to get the tool, resources and training needed to use the tool, data the tool needs, and case studies of previous tool use.

Steps in the MSP process and needed tool functionality:

1) Identify Need and Establish Authority
* Map ocean governance (relevant authorities, laws, regulations, etc.)

2) Obtain Financial Support

3) Organize the Process through Pre-Planning
* Define ecosystem boundaries
* Support development of social, economic, and ecological goals and objectives for process

4) Organize Stakeholder Participation
* Engage stakeholders in process

5) Define and Analyze Existing Conditions
* Map important biological and ecological areas
* Map oceanographic and other physical features (e.g. bathymetry, currents, sediments) if comprehensive biological data is not available
* Map current human uses
* Assess conflicts and compatibilities among human uses
* Determine cumulative impacts of human uses on ecosystem health
* Assess conflicts and compatibilities between human uses and ecosystem health
* Manage project data

6) Define and Analyze Future Conditions
* Predict future human demands for ocean use and potential impacts on ecosystem health
* Create and visualize alternative spatial use scenarios for the planning area
* Analyze tradeoffs between alternative spatial use scenarios
* Select a preferred spatial use scenario

7) Prepare and Approve the Spatial Management Plan
* Evaluate effectiveness of possible management measures (e.g. marine protected areas, fishing gear regulations)
* Develop alternative zoning plans with appropriate permitting, usage rules, and monitoring for each zone
* Evaluate the degree to which zoning plans meet definite objectives
* Select a preferred zoning plan

8) Implement and Enforce the Spatial Management Plan
* Monitor user compliance with spatial management plan

9) Monitor and Evaluate Performance
* Develop monitoring indicators to determine spatial management plan success at meeting defined objectives
* Develop monitoring system to track indicators
* Report on outcomes

10) Adapt the Spatial Management Process

Hope we haven't scared you away! Please send your responses to <mailto: > unless they are good reasons not to in which case you can send them to me privately at <mailto: >.

Full citation for MSP document: Ehler, Charles, and Fanny Douvere. Marine Spatial Planning: a step-by-step approach toward ecosystem-based management. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Man and the Biosphere Programme. IOC Manual and Guides No. 53, ICAM Dossier No. 6 Paris: UNESCO, 2009.

Many thanks for your participation!
Sarah