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To

SEYCHELLESMARINESPATIALPLANNING(MSP)INITIATIVE

ZONINGPROPOSALFORTHESEYCHELLESEXCLUSIVEECONOMICZONE

Date:8January2015Version:3.2SuggestedCitation:Smith,J.L.andR.Tingey.2015.ZoningproposalfortheSeychellesExclusiveEconomicZone.Unpublished

reporttoMinistryofEnvironmentandEnergy,Seychelles.TheNatureConservancy,Arlington,VA.

TableofContents

1. Introductionandcontext................................................................................................................................2

2. Approachestozoning.....................................................................................................................................4

3. Zoningexamples.............................................................................................................................................5

4. Challengesforzoning......................................................................................................................................6

5. ZoningintheSeychelles.................................................................................................................................6

I. Brainstormingzoningneeds..................................................................................................................6

II. Considerationsforzoning....................................................................................................................6

III. DRAFTzoningprocess.........................................................................................................................7

IV. Zoningarea,scaleandscope(Step5).................................................................................................8

V. DRAFTzoningobjectives(Step6).........................................................................................................8

VI. DRAFTzoningscheme:approach,types,objectivesandnames(Step7)...........................................8

VII. Implementationofzoning...............................................................................................................18

VIII. Dataandcriteriaforspatialextentofzones(Step3and8)...........................................................18

IX. Compatibilitymatrix-SAMPLE(Step9)............................................................................................19

X. Descriptionsforuses(Step8).............................................................................................................20

XI. RecommendedUsestables-SAMPLE(Step8).................................................................................20

6. Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................................21

7. AbbreviationsandGlosssary.........................................................................................................................21

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8. Glossary........................................................................................................................................................21

9. References....................................................................................................................................................23

1. IntroductionandcontextMarineSpatialPlanning(MSP)isa"publicprocessofanalyzingandallocatingthespatialandtemporaldistributionofhumanactivitiesinmarineareastoachieveecological,economicandsocialobjectivesthathavebeenspecifiedthroughapoliticalprocess"(EhlerandDouvere2009).Itcanbeusedinthecontextofecosystem-basedmanagement1toaddressbothhumanandecosystemneedsandmovefromasector-by-sectortoanintegratedmanagementapproach.MSPvariesregionallyandbycountrybecauseofthedifferencesinpublicpoliciesandlegislation(TNC2009).Marineareasmayhavedifferentobjectivesandmanagementagenciesmayusedifferentcombinationsoftools,includingzoning(Norse2005).

Adiscussionaboutzoninganddecisionsforzoningterminologyarehelpfulbeforeembarkingonanalysestoresolvespatialdesignationsbecauseitisimportanttoknowhowthespatialdesignationswillorcouldbeimplemented.Forexample,aretheybeingimplementedthroughlegalmeans,i.e.,regulationsorlegislation,orwillthespatialdesignationsbeimplementedthroughvoluntary,policyornon-legalmeans?Whatisthedefinitionoftheusesoractivities?Whowillimplementzoning?Thecapacityofinstitutionsandgovernmentstomanagezoningshouldbeevaluatedtoensureimplementation.Atthistime,thereisnotthecapacitywithintheSeychellesMSPInitiativetodoacapacityneedsassessmentthusitwouldbeconsideredforthenextphaseofplanning,orassoonasresourcescanbeallocated.

Zoninghasitsoriginsinterrestrialplanning,forexamplecommunityorurbanplanning.Zoninginurbanareasisthemechanismusedbylocalgovernmentstoregulatetheuse,densityandlocationofusesthatalandownercanputonapieceofland.Intheocean,propertyrightsandownershiparemoreakintostrategiclanduseplanningratherthanregulatingprivateparcels-commonpropertyresourcesmanagedbyseveraljurisdictions.Themarineenvironmentisextremelydynamic,especiallycomparedtoterrestrialenvironments,thuszonesmayneedtobedevelopedtoaccountforbothtemporalandspatialvariability(Norse2005).Longdistancesmayseparateusesintimeandspacesointensityandfrequencyalsoneedtobeconsidered.

Marinespatialplanningthatuseszoningbasedonlegaldesignationswillmeanthatdraftspatialdesignationsaretobeimplementedusingregulatorymeasuresandauthorizedthroughlegislation.Comprehensivezoning,suchasbeingundertakenintheSeychelles,differsfromsingle-usebasedplanningsuchaspermittingthoughActs,oronlycreatingmarineprotectedareas(Norse2005;Youngetal2007).

TheSeychellesMarineSpatialPlanning(MSP)Initiativeisaprocessfocusedonplanningforandmanagementofthesustainableandlong-termuseandhealthoftheSeychellesExclusiveEconomicZone,amarineareacovering1,374,000km2andencompassingtheSeychellesarchipelagoof115islands.TheMSPInitiativeisaGovernment-ledprocess,withplanningandfacilitationoftheInitiativemanagedbyapartnershipbetweenTheNatureConservancy(TNC)andtheGovernmentofSeychelles(GOS)-UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP)-GlobalEnvironmentalFacility(GEF)ProgrammeCoordinating

1Ecosystem-basedmanagementisanadaptiveapproachtomanaginghumanactivitiesthatseekstoensurethecoexistenceofhealthy,fullyfunctioningecosystemsandhumancommunities.

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Unit(PCU)-GOS/UNDP/GEF.FundingfortheInitiativeisbeingprovidedthroughanumberofGOS/UNDP/GEFgrantsaswellasanOceans5grantawardedtoTheNatureConservancy.TheSeychellesMarineSpatialPlanningInitiativetakesanintegrated,multi-sectorapproach.TheprocesswillincludeinputfromthemajorsectorsoftheSeychelleswhichusethecountry’smarinespacesuchasfishing,tourism,conservationandpetroleumdevelopmentinordertodevelopaholisticclimate-smartmulti-usedesign,integratingthenewchallengescreatedbyclimatechangeintoplanningandmanagementefforts.Thismulti-usedesignoftheSeychellesMSPInitiativewillserveasthebasisforguidingthestrategiesanddecisionsoftheSeychellesConservation&ClimateAdaptationTrust(SeyCCAT)establishedaspartoftheGovernmentofSeychelles-ledDebt-for-Climate-Change-Adaptationswap2.PhaseIoftheMSPInitiative(February2014–June2015)willproducezoningdesignoptions,zoningtools,anddraftmanagementstrategies(adraftzoningmap)asabasisforfurtherdevelopmentandimplementationofthenationalmulti-useplan.SeveralmarineprocessesareunderwayintheSeychellesincludingaGOS-UNDP-GEFproject'StrengtheningSeychelles'ProtectedAreaSystemthroughNGOmanagementmodalities'3,ledbyDr.RebeccaKlaus.Thegoaloftheprotectedareaprojectisto'facilitateworkingpartnershipsbetweendiversegovernmentandnon-governmentpartnersintheplanningandmanagementoftheprotectedareasysteminSeychelles'.ThisprotectedareaprojectwillprovidekeyoutputsthatwillbeusefulfortheSeychellesMSPInitiative,particularlyfordefiningzoneswithobjectivesforbiodiversityconservation,selectingnewprotectedareas,andidentifyingpotentialconflictsamongstalluses.TheprocessforincorporatingtheresultsoftheProtectedAreastrategyandotherplanningprocessesunderwayintheSeychelleswillbeaddressedbytheMSPInitiative'sSteeringCommitteeaspertheInitiative'sgovernancemodel4.Finally,therearegovernmentinitiativestopromotesustainabilityintheSeychellesandotherSmallIslandDevelopingStatesincludingtheBlueEconomy.TheSeychelleshavedevelopedaconceptpaperfortheBlueEconomy5(seeglossaryfordefinition)andtheEuropeanUnionrecentlyannouncedtheroleoftheBlueEconomytorealiseitsgoalsfortheEurope2020strategy6.TheSeychellesissupportingthedevelopmentofa'blueeconomy'thatwillleadtoamoreinclusiveglobaldevelopmentagendathatemphasizestheeconomicgrowthpotentialoftheseaswhileprotectingmaritimeresources.IntheSeychelles,on-goingmaritimesecurityeffortscanbematchedbyafocusonsustainability,resilienceandresponsibility,leadingtoeconomicprosperityforEastAfrica'scoastalandislandstates7.TheSeychellesMSPInitiative,whichincludesazoningdesign,isintendedtoincorporate,capture,orconnecttootherplanningprocessesintheSeychelles(e.g.,OuterIslandMarineSpatialPlanning),existing

2MSPInitiativeOverview:http://www.seychellesmarinespatialplanning.com3GOS-UNDP-GEFProtectedAreasStrategy:http://www.pcusey.sc/index.php/top-media-menu/news-menu/84-news/74-new-protected-area-policy-for-seychelles4SeychellesMSPInitiativewebsite:http://www.seychellesmarinespatialplanning.com/structure/5GovernmentofSeychelles.2013.SeychellesConceptPaperontheBlueEconomy.September2013.Unpublishedreport.13pp6EuropeanUnionBlueEconomy:http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/blue_growth/7SeychellesBlueEconomy:http://www.chathamhouse.org/event/blue-economy-seychelles’-vision-sustainable-development-indian-ocean

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managementplansforfisheries(e.g.,FinfishDemersalFisheryManagementPlanfortheMahePlateau)andotheruses,nationalinitiativesandpolicies,andinternationalobligationsincludingtheDebt-for-Climate-Change-Adaptationswap,theGOS-UNDP-GEFProtectedAreaStrategyandtheBlueEconomy.AlistofinitiativesisbeingundertakenbytheGovernmentofSeychellestoensureharmonisationandintegrationwiththeMSPInitiativeandtoavoidanyconflictsarising.Iftheseorotherimportantinitiativesarenotcaptured,pleaseshareyourcomments.Thepurposeofthisdocumentistoprovideashortbackgroundandhighlightsomeofthegeneralapproachesandchallengestozoningworldwide,summariseinputfromstakeholderengagementreceivedtodateonavisionfortheSeychellesmarineenvironmentandplanningneeds.ThisisalivingdocumentandhasreceivedinputfromtheSteeringCommittee,TechnicalWorkingGroup,andstakeholdergroup(seeSection9).Thiszoningproposalwillbeusedtodevelopadraftzoningdesignusingspatialdatalayersandnon-spatialinformationfromAugust-December.Zoningisaniterativeprocess(seeSection7),andanon-goingaspectistoobtainthespatiallocationsforusestosupportthedevelopmentofzonesandaccompanyingmanagementplans.AsinformationisprovidedtotheMSPprocess,thezoneswillbereviewedandrevised,asneededorwherenecessary.

2. ApproachestozoningOneofthefirstthingstodefineinazoningprocessisthetypeofzones,ordefiningyourapproach.Acrossthespectrumofmarineandoceanplansaroundtheworld,thetypeandnumberofzonesvariesaccordingtolocalneeds,usesandactivities,andenablinglegislationandlaws.Zoneshavebeencreatedtomanagemanyactivitiesincluding:recreation,education,research,cultural,park,military,mineralextraction,shipping-transport-transit,disposal,fisheries,oilandgas,cableinfrastructure,anchorages-ports,fisheries,aquaculture,renewableenergy,shipwrecks,andnon-extractivecommercialuses.Thenumberofzonesorcategoriesinasinglemarineplanhastypicallyrangedfromfourtoeight,withmostplanshavingfewerthansixzonesinrecentyears.Itisgenerallyrecognizedthatfewerzonesarebetterthanmanyzonesforsimplificationofplanning,managementandcompliance.ThereareseveralapproachestozoningthatmaybeappropriatefortheSeychelles:usebased,ecologicallybased,objectivebasedandother.

a. Usebased• allocateusesbasedonexistingorhistoricusepatterns,orthestatusquo;• use-baseddivisionssuchasfishing,transportation,marina;• singleusedivisionswhereonlyoneuseinaparticularareaispermitted,allotherusesarebanned

(likelyfragile,rare,highvaluefunctions,irreplaceableareas);• dominantusefeaturesasingle,priorityusebutallowmanagerstopermitusescompatiblewith

thepurposeofthezoneorthedominantuse;• compatibleusedivisionscombineusesthatdon’timpedeeachother

b. EcologicallyBased• basedonrelativeecologicalimportanceofareaswithintheregion,andinherentvulnerabilitiesof

differenthabitatsorspecies;• allocateintensiveuseinareasthatarealreadyimpacted;• ensureneighbouringzonesarecompatible(transitions,buffers);

c. ObjectiveBased

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• objective-baseddivisionssuchasdevelopment,conservation,multi-use;• determinehighestorbestuse,whichcouldincludeconservationorhumanuses;• provisionscanbewrittensoastoprecludemostexceptionaluses,ortoallowexceptionaluseson

amoreregularbasisdependingonthebalanceneededbetweenstabilityandflexibility;

d. Othercharacteristics• verticalzoningcanconsiderthewatercolumn,airshedandseabedseparately;• temporalzoningcanvarybytimeofyear,orbefulltime;orbetemporaryorpermanent• proscriptivezoning-identifieswhatyoucannotdo.Limittheabilitytosetobjectivesenabling

compatibleactivities;• prescriptivezoning-identifieswhatyoucandoandhow.Thetoolsalsotendtobeallornothing.

Anactivityispermittedornot.Thislimitstheabilitytosetobjectivesforuses,toallowmoreflexibilitytoidentifywhenanactivityorusecanoccur.

3. Zoningexamples

Figure1.Anexampleofahybriduse-basedandobjective-basedapproachtozoningfromStKittsandNevis,Caribbean(source:Agostinietal.,2010)

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Figure2.Anexampleofanobjective-basedzoningapproachfromBritishColumbia,Canada.(source:MaPP2013)

4. ChallengesforzoningWhenconsideringanapproach,itisimportanttounderstandthechallengesthatmaybepresentintheplanningareatocreateandimplementzoning.Generallyspeaking,zoningcanbechallengingtoimplementbecauseofscientific,socialandpoliticalobstacles(Agardy2010a,b).Someofthesechallengesarisedueto:

• handlingthetechnical,legalandpoliticalcomplexitiesofmulti-objectiveoceanzoning;• competinginterestswithdifferentorconflictingvaluesattachedtospecificlocations;• lengthytimehorizonsforformalisingzones;• zoningforadynamicecosystem;• possiblelackoflegislativetoolstoimplementzones(e.g.,laws,regulations);• lackoflegalflexibility;• discussionsonpropertyrightsandresourceownership(Eagleetal.,2008;Edwards2008);• capacitytoimplementzones;and• Integratingexistingzonesand/ormanagementplans

5. ZoningintheSeychelles

I. Brainstormingzoningneeds

TobegintheprocessofdeterminingwhattypesofzonesareappropriateintheSeychelles,abrainstormingexercisewasdoneduringworkshop#2(May2014)tocreatealistofpossiblezonestypes,zonenamesorzonecategoriesbasedontheperceptionofthetypesofactivitiesthatneedzoningintheSeychelles,orthatwouldbenefitfromzoning.Thiszoningdiscussionbuiltuponafuturevisioningexercisethatwasundertakenduringworkshop#1(Feb2014),anexercisethathelpstoclarifyanswerstothequestionof"whatareyouplanningfor?".Theresultinglistofpossiblezonesoractivitiestobezonedwasnotfilteredoredited,andservedasinformationtodevelopadraftzoningapproachandproposezonetypesfortheSeychelles:

• Sustainabletourismzones• Temporalclosurezones• Renewableenergyharnessingzones• Biodiversityhabitatprotectionzones• Fisherieszones• (International)shippinglanes/zones• Recreationalzones• Expansionzonesforecosystemservices;areasthatmaybecomevulnerableinthefuturedueto

climatechangeeffectslikesealevelrisee.g.,mangroves.• Extractionzonesforpetroleum,mineralsandaggregates• Culturalzones• Reclamationzones• Militaryzones(possiblyinthefuture).

II. Considerationsforzoning

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Inadditiontonamesforzonesorzonetypes,additionalconsiderationsweresharedfortheSeychellesMSPInitiativetoconsiderwhiledraftingazoningproposal.ThefollowingSeychelles-specificconsiderationsweregeneratedduringagroupdiscussionatworkshop#2inMay2014:

• HarmoniseandintegratethezonesdesignatedorproposedundertheexistingandrevisedFisheriesActsandProtectedAreaspolicy

• Recognisethespecificcharacteristicsofeachoftheouterislands,e.g.,thosewithlagoonsaswellastheintegrationofsustainabletourismandartisanalfisheries.

• ConsiderongoingusesandmeasuresoutsidetheSeychellesEEZwhichmayimpacttheecosystems,species,processesanduseswithinit

• Use“bestzones”insteadofexclusionzones,asinbestuseareas.• Highlightthegapsinmarinedata,butdonotbestalledbythese• ReflectthepracticalityofmanagingzonesgiventhesizeoftheEEZandthecurrentlimitedcapacityfor

bothmanagementandenforcement.Thisshouldbereflectedinthemanagementobjectives.• Considerpotentialfutureuses(suchasrenewableenergy),climatechangeimpactsandecosystems

services,bearinginmindthelackofdataanduncertaintysurroundingtheseuses.• Balanceusesandpriorities,includingoverlappingofusescanbeachievedthrougheffective

stakeholderconsultationthatdrawsoninputsfromtheproposedTechnicalWorkingGroups.• Evaluatethebenefitsofnotakeareasandfisheryclosuresasmanagementtools.

III. DRAFTzoningprocess

Throughouttheentirezoningprocess,consultationandinputbyallstakeholdersisreceivedaspertheSeychellesMSPInitiativegovernanceframework.ThezoningprocessproposedfortheSeychellesincludesbothspatialandnon-spatialcomponentsandconsistsofmultiplesteps.Geographicboundariesofzoneswillbecapturedandthenon-spatialmanagementdirectionsforusesandactivitieswithinthezonewillbedeveloped.Whilethezoningprocessstepsappearsequential(listedbelow),itisintendedtobeaniterativeprocess,asthestepsdonotalwaysprogresslinearly.Severalstepsmaybecompletedsimultaneously,somestepsmaybeonlypartlycompletedbecauseinformationismissingornotavailableatthistime,andstepscanberepeatedorrevisitedasnewinformationbecomesavailable.Currently,steps1-3areunderway,andthisdocumentbeginssteps4-9.

Draftzoningprocess:

1. Reviewexistingplans,literature,guidelinesfortheSeychelles2. Reviewglobal“lessonslearned”3. Gatherandreviewdatalayersforenvironment,existinghumanusesandactivities,future

potentialusesandactivities,culturalheritage,historicalmarineartifacts,governanceandadministration,andothersourcesrelevantfortheplanningboundary

4. Developazoningprocess5. Definezoningscaleandscope6. Draftzoningobjectives7. Decideuponzoningapproachanddevelopnamesandtypesofzones8. Clearlyarticulatecriteriafordefiningthespatialextentsofthezones9. Developspatialandnon-spatialtoolstosupportdevelopmentofzones(e.g.,compatibilitymatrix

forusesandactivities,web-basedorinteractivespatialtoolstodisplaydataandsketchzoneboundaries,MarxanorMarzone,RecommendedUsesTable,definitionsofmarineusesandactivities)

10. Analyseinformationanddataforexistingandfutureusesandactivities

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11. Draftzones,withmanagementobjectivesanddirectionsforeachzone12. Reviewanddiscusswithgovernment,stakeholderandpublic13. Assess,reviewandadjustzonesandmanagementdirections.

IV. Zoningarea,scaleandscope(Step5)

TheRepublicofSeychellesconsistsof115islandsacross1,374,000km2ofocean.TheSeychellesarchipelagoisdividedintotwodistinctgeologicalcollections:1)theMahégroupof43graniticislands(withhillsandmountains),andtheoutlyingislandsand2)thecorallinegroupof72ormoreislandsthatareat,orslightlyabove,sealevel(SeychellesStatisticalBureau2013).Zoningcoversallofthemarinewaters(includingspecies,habitatsandecologicalprocessesthatsupportmarinelife)oftheSeychellesEEZ,from0-200nauticalmiles(approximately,actualdistancemaybelongerinsomepartsoftheEEZ).TheMSPblueprint,ordraftdesign(s)forzones,willbesmallscaleinitially(i.e.,largearea,notmuchdetail),andmayberefinedtolargerscales(i.e.,smallarea,detailed)astheMSPprocessdevelops,inparticularfortheMahéPlateau.Theplanningscopeisfocusedonsevenmajorthematicsectorsoruses,whichare(innoparticularorder):

• Fisheries• Tourism• MarineTransportationandshipping(localandinternational)• Renewableenergy• Biodiversityconservation• Culturalheritage• Extraction(petroleum,mining,aggregates,non-renewableenergy).

V. DRAFTzoningobjectives(Step6)

Developingobjectivesforzoningclarifiestheoverallintentionofthezones.Theseobjectivescanbeusedduringimplementationtomeasuretheperformance,orsuccess,oftheplantoachievetheintendedbenefits.Thebenefitsofzoningaremany,andincludereducingspatialandtemporalconflictsbetweenexistingandfutureuses,increasingbusinesscertainty,increasingbusinessefficienciesfortenures,permitsorlicenses,andprotectingsocial,culturalandecologicalvaluesorareas.

DraftobjectivesforzoningintheSeychellesEEZ:

• Reducespatialconflictsamonguses• Identifyingmanagementdirectionsforalluses• Provideoverallguidanceforresourcemanagerstoincreasebusinesscertaintyandincreasebusiness

efficiencyintheSeychellesmarineenvironment.• Identifyareasforenhancedmanagementforcultural,ecological,andsocialobjectives.

VI. DRAFTzoningscheme:approach,types,objectivesandnames(Step7)

TheproposedzoningapproachfortheSeychellesistouseahybridof"objective"and"use"basedzoning,withanemphasisonidentifyinganddefiningobjectivesandthenspecifyingtargeteduses(seeSection2).Thisapproachisproposedforseveralreasons.Firstly,ause-basedapproachrequiresquitealotofdatainordertodelineatezones.Atthispointintheplanningprocess,datalayersforusesandactivitiesarerelativelysparsethusitisnotpossibletoallocatespacebasedonspecificusesalone.Secondly,thevisionfortheSeychellesistoplanforexistingandfutureuses.Byusinganobjective-basedzoningapproach,it

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willbeflexibleenoughtoincludeexistingusesandpossiblefutureuses;zoningwillbeabletoadaptovertimetoasyetunforeseenactivities.Finally,anobjective-basedapproachclearlyemphasizesoridentifiestothemarineusers,public,andresourcemanagersthepurposeofthezone.Management,enforcementandregulationofthezonecanbemandatedbytheprimaryobjectiveratherthanbyeachindividualuse.

Zoningisaprocesswithtwocomponents:spatialandnon-spatial.Thespatialaspectsofzoningareoftenwhatpeoplethinkoffirsthowever,zoningrequiresmorethangeographicboundariesonachartormap–zoningrequiresmanagementdirectionsand/orobjectivesforeachzonethataddressesquestionsthatwillarisefromuserssuchas:Whatistheobjectiveofthezone?Whatactivitiesarepermitted,allowableorrecommendedinthezone?Aretheyareanyactivitiesthatareexcluded?Howisthezoneregulatedorenforced?Whowillimplementthezones?TheTechnicalWorkingGroupnotedthatthecapacityofinstitutionsandgovernmentstomanagethezonedareasneedstobeevaluatedsincethereisnousezoningifcapacityforimplementationislacking.Atthistime,thereisinsufficientcapacitywithintheplanningprocesstoconductacapacityneedsassessmentandissomethingthatcanbeplannedforthenextphaseofplanning,orasresourcesareidentifiedbytheGovernmentofSeychelles.FortheMSPInitiative,fivezonetypesareproposed.Atthistime,thezonesarelabeledAthroughE,withsuggestednamesandalternatives.ZonenameswillbecreatedbasedoninputfromtheTechnicalWorkingGroup,SteeringCommittee,stakeholdersandscientificortechnicaladvisorstotheprocess.ThezonetypesweredevelopedaftercarefulconsiderationofadvicefromthestakeholderworkshopinMay2014,TechnicalWorkingGroupworkshopinJuly2014,aswellasreviewofmarineplansaroundtheworld,considerationofthechallengesinimplementationandgovernance,lessonslearnedfromotherprocesses,emergingeconomicopportunities,climatechangeadaptation,conservation,andbalancinginnovationwithpracticality.

Insummary,thefivezonesproposedfortheSeychellesEEZinclude:

• existingzonesorregulatoryboundaries(e.g.,portauthority,protectedareas)• minimisingconflictsbetweenoramongusesandactivities,nowandinthefuture• providingbusinessopportunities,nowandinthefuture• maximisingopportunitiesforsustainablemarineuses(e.g.,fisheries,tourism,recreation)• identifyinglinkstonationalpolicyandinternationalobligations(e.g.,BlueEconomy,biodiversity,

climatechange)• identifyinglinkstoparallelplanningprocessesintheSeychelles(e.g.,UNDPProtectedArea

Strategy,UNDPOuterIslandsMarinePlanning,andSFAFisheriesManagementPlans)

Thefivezonesincludeobjectivesfor:

• foodsecurityandfisheries• biodiversity• fisheriesreplenishmentareastosupportarangeoffishingactivitieswithintheEEZ• culturalheritage• essentialservicesandmarineinfrastructure• ecosystemservices• oil,gas&miningdevelopments• tourismandrecreation

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Atthistime,itisrecommendedthatzonesencompassthe3-dimensionalspaceoftheocean,fromtheseasurfacetotheseabed.Inotherwords,therearenotmultiplezonesatvariousdepthsorso-calledverticalzoning.Theadvantageofhavingonezonefromthesurfacetotheseafloorisprimarilyforimplementation.Zoningfortheairshedabovetheoceanorinadjacentvalleysisnotincludedatthistime,butcouldbeconsideredinthefuturetoaddressgreenhousegases,orairpollution,thataffecttheoceanandhumancommunities.

ThefollowingarefiveproposedzonesfortheSeychellesEEZ,withsuggestednames,draftobjectivesandtargeteduses(Table1).Thesuggestednames,objectives,samplemanagementconditions,targeteduses,potentialfutureusesandconsiderationsareallprovidedforcontextanddiscussionduringthereviewofthiszoningproposal.Ashortlistoftargetedusesisincludedtoreflecttheactivitiesthatthezoneismeanttoplanforspecificallybasedonthedraftobjective–astheobjectiveischanged,thetargetedusesmaychange.Inaddition,therewillbeallowableorcompatibleusesthatcouldoccurinazoneandstillallowtheGovernmentofSeychellestomeettheobjective(s)ofthatparticularzone.Theadditionalusesandactivitiesthatmaybecompatibleorallowedare'ToBeDetermined'(TBD)andinthecomingmonthscanbeidentifiedwiththedevelopmentofdraftCompatibilityMatrix(Section14),RecommendedUsesandActivitiestables(Section15)anddiscussionswithintheMSPprocess.

Table1.ProposedzonesfortheSeychellesEEZ(draftversion3.2–January2015)

Zone SuggestedName PrimaryObjective TargetedUses1(alphabetical)

A FoodSecurityandFisheriesZone

Toallocatespaceandguaranteeaccessforfood

security,fisheriesreplenishmentareas,

foreignexchangeearning,andincomegeneration

fromfisheries,nowandinthefuture.

• Artisanalfishing• Fisheriesreplenishmentareas• Industrialfishing• Mariculture• Semi-industrialfishing

B BiodiversityZoneToallocatespacefor

conservingandsustainingmarinebiologicaldiversity.

• Biodiversity• Culturalheritage• Highvaluetourism

CIndustrialandPublic

UtilityZone

Toallocatespaceandidentifythefootprintforindustry,publicutilities,nationalsecurity,and

infrastructure.

• Disposalat-seasites&Dredging• Maritimesecurity• Marinetransportation• Ports,marinas,harbours,moorings,jetty,

slipways• Powergeneration• Reclamation• RenewableEnergy• Telecommunications• WasteManagement

D Non-RenewableResourcesZone

Toallocatespaceandidentifythefootprintfor

oil,gasandminingdevelopments.

• Sandmining• Mining-aggregates• Oil&Gas(future)

E TourismandRecreationZone

Toallocatespacetomaximiseopportunitiesfor

• CoastalAccommodation• Fishing(recreation)

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tourismandrecreation. • Recreation• Sportfishing• Tourism

ZoneA-FoodSecurityandFisheriesZonePrimaryobjective:Toallocatespaceandguaranteeaccessforfoodsecurity,fisheriesreplenishmentareas,foreignexchangeearning,andincomegenerationfromfisheries,nowandinthefuture.Theobjectiveprovidesbusinesscertaintynowandinthefutureforfisheriesandaimstominimiseexistingorfutureconflictsbetweenfisheriesandothermarineusesoractivities.ThemanagementplanforthiszoneisintendedtobedevelopedinconjunctionwiththeSeychellesFishingAuthorityfisheriesmanagementplans(e.g.,FinfishDemersalFisheryManagementPlanfortheMahePlateau)andbeconsistentwithinternationalagreements,lawsandpoliciesthatpertaintofisheriesandsustainablemanagementintheSeychellesandWesternIndianOcean(e.g.,IndianOceanTunaCommission,InternationalConventiononMigratorySpecies,BlueEconomy).Managementconditions

• Fisheriesoperatinginthiszonewouldhaveamanagementplan(approvedorbeingdrafted),todemonstratesustainabilityorcommitmenttoanecosystem-basedmanagementapproachthatisconsistentwithSeychellesgoalsforaBlueEconomyandothermarineandcoastalmanagement

• Fisheriesusesdonoterodeordestroyecologicalintegrityorecosystemservices.• FisheriesoperationoccursincompliancewithallexistingfederalActs,regulationsandpolicies

includingpermitting,licenses,andfees,aswellasinternationallaws,andinternationaltreatiesorsignatories

Targetedexistinguses:

• Artisanalfishing(trap,net,beachseine,handline,etc.)• Fisheriesmanagementaimedatreplenishmentofanareaandrestockingofadjacentareas• Industrialfishing(longlineandpurseseinefortuna)• Mariculture• Semi-industrialfishing

Potentialfutureuses:

• Fishing-newgeartypesorspecies(e.g.,bottomordemersallonglining)• Mariculture-newspeciesorlocations(e.g.,longrangeoroffshore)

Compatibleuses,knownorpotential:

• MaritimeSecurity• SeeRecommendedUsesTableforzones(indevelopment)

Conflictinguses,knownorpotential:

• ‘No-take’MarineProtectedAreas• Sportfishing(e.g.,fortourism)• Recreationfishing(e.g.,forconsumption)• Oil&gas:explorationanddevelopment

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Considerationsindevelopingadraftzoningdesign:

• RulesoftheroadconsiderationsforfisheriesoperatinginsidethePortAuthorityBoundary.• Zonedesignisadaptableandconsidersthespeciesdistributionsandmovementpatternsfor

pelagic,migratory,benthicandcoastalspecies,aswellasseasonalandweatherpatternsthataffectfisheriesactivitiesandsafety.

• FisheriesreplenishmentisanobjectiveofZoneB• Theobjectiveofthiszoneistoprovidebusinessopportunitiesrelatedtofishingactivity.Maritime

safetyisanobjectiveofZoneC.• Semi-industrialandartisanalfishinghavespatialseparation–semi-industrialfishingdoesnot

occurontheMahéPlateau.• Industrialfishingfortunaisgenerallyaforeign-ownedfisheryandzoningdesignswillrequire

inputorcommunicationwiththeSeychellesFishingAuthority,IndianOceanTunaCommission• Currently,recreationandsportfishingactivitiescanresultinspatialconflictswithexisting

commercialfisheries.RecreationandsportfishingopportunitiesarethetargetedusesofZoneE.• IUUfishing-Illegal,Unreported,Unregulated.Observationsandthevigilanceoflegalfishing

vesselsareanimporantcomponentofat-seasurveillanceforIUUfishingactivityintheEEZ.• Highseaspiracyaffectsfishingactivitiesandthenationaleconomy.Theactivitiesinthiszone

dependonmonitoringandenforcementactivitiesoftheCoastGuard(ZoneC).Piracyisanationalsecurityissue.

• Existingconflictsexistbetweenfishingandmarineprotectionobjectives(MarineProtectedAreas),includingintheOuterIslands

• TheroleoftheIslandsDevelopmentCorporation(IDC),IndianOceanTunaCommission(IOTC)andotherbodiestoinformzoningdesignanddraftmarineplans.

ZoneB–BiodiversityZoneTheGOS-UNDP-GEFProtectedAreasStrategyprojectisidentifyinghighpriorityconservationareasandtheoutputsfromthatprojectwillbeusedtoinformtheMSPzoningdesign.TheUNDPOuterIslandsMarinePlanwillbringinformationfromtheMSPInitiativetoinformmanagementplansforthewaterssurroundingtheOuterIslands.ThemanagementplanforthiszoneisintendedtobedevelopedinconjunctionwithexistingProtectedAreaspolicyandlaw,theFisheriesBill,andothercurrentinitiatives.Primaryobjective:ToallocatespaceforconservingandsustainingmarinebiologicaldiversitywithintheSeychellesEEZincludingecologicalprocesses,genes,species,populationsandhabitats.Secondaryobjective:Toplanforclimatechangeadaptationtoaddresssealevelriseandothereffects,aspercommitmentsinthedebt-for-climateadaptationswap,withastrongfocusonnaturalcarbonsinks.Thirdobjective:Toallocatespaceforrestorationactivitiesthatenhancebiodiversityandfisheriesreplenishmentareas.Fourthobjective:ToallocatespaceforhighvaluetourismthatisinextricablylinkedtoSeychelle’suniqueandgloballysignificantmarinebiologicaldiversity.

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ThiszonetypeisproposedtomeettheSeychellesobjectivesformarineprotectedareasandisanimportantcomponentforclimatechangeadaptationandSeychellesinitiativestosupportthis(e.g.,Dept-for-Adaptationswap8).ClimatechangeisrelevantforallmarinewatersintheSeychellesandfortheentirezoningdesign.Itisnamedherespecificallybecauseofthestrongconnectionsbetweenclimatechangeadaptationandmanagingspeciesandhabitatsforabiodiversityandfisheriesreplenishmentobjectives.Marineprotectionzonesmayalsobeusedtoaddressandmanageforecosystemserviceshoweverthiswillneedmorediscussiontodetermineiftheprotectionzoneisthebestplaceforanecosystemservicesobjective.Inthiszone,"replenishment"areasmaybeidentifiedtoconserve,replenishorrestoreeconomicallyvaluablefishpopulations.Replenishmentzonesmayincludetemporaryreservesthatlimitharvestingordisturbance,aswellasareasidentifiedfortheirvaluetoserveassourcesforrecruitmentandspillover.

Inthiszone,theInternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature(IUCN)categoriesformarineprotectedareas(Dudley2008;Dayetal,2010)maybeusedtoidentifythelevelofprotectiononceobjectivesforthiszones,ortheindividualareaswithinthiszone,aredetermined.TherecommendationsbytheIUCNaretonotdeterminethezonebasedonuseshowevertheIUCNcategoriesaresometimesusedforguidanceindefiningareasandthelevelofprotectionthatwillbeachieved.decisionsthatneedtobemadeforthiszonetypeincludewhetherthiszonedoesordoesnotincludeexistingmarineprotectedareas,orproposesnewmarineprotections.Also,whetherallareasinthiszonemustbeconsideredforlegalprotection,orcantheybemanagedusingothertools?SampleManagementconditions

• Compatibleusesmustnoterode,harm,destroyordegradebiologicaldiversityorinterferewiththeotherobjectivesandtargetedusesforthiszone.

• Allowableuseswillbepermittedinconsultationwithappropriateagenciesandregulatoryauthorities.

• Highvaluetourismactivitiesareintegratedintothiszone,takingintoaccountthecompatibility(orlackthereof)ofspecifictouristactivitieswithbiodiversityandfisheriesreplenishmentobjectives(e.g.,motorisedversusnon-motorisedactivities;extractiveornon-extractive)

Targetedexistinguses:

• Biodiversity• Culturalheritage• Highvaluetourism• Educationandresearch

Potentialfutureuses:

• Biotechnology(e.g.,biomedical);onlythosewithveryminimalextractionandhabitatalteration• Naturalcarbonsinks(e.g.,plants)• Education• Naturaloxygenation• Research

CompatibleUses,knownorpotential:

8MSPInitiativeoverview:http://www.seychellesmarinespatialplanning.com

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• Mariculture(maybeconditional)• Publicrecreation• Restockingadjacentareas(forfisheries)• Subsistencefisheries• Tourism(incl.fishing)• OtherCulturaluses(needtobedefined)• SeeRecommendedUsesTable(indevelopment)

Conflictinguses,knownorpotential:

• Forareasdesignatedforthehighestlevelsofprotection,anyusethataltersthenaturalsysteminanyway,orhasunknownconsequenceswouldnotbepermittedorrecommendedforauthorisation.

• Artificalcarbonsinksandoxygenation.

Considerationsindraftingazoningdesign:

• Levelsorrangeofbiodiversityprotection,includingno-takeareasandareaswithmultiplenon-extractiveuses

• identifyingandmanagingforecosystemservicesthatsupporthighvaluetourism• Identifybufferzoneswithneighbouringzones–howbig?• managementandenforcementofMPAboundaries,regulationsandobjectives:legaltoolsor

otheroptions• overlapwithconflictinguses,forexamplefishing• migratoryspeciesandinternationalobligations,• UNConventiononBiologicalDiversitytargets:Seychelle’stargets• UNDPmarineprotectedareastrategyoutputsprovidesextremelyimportantinputsintothe

designforthiszone.TheMPAoutputsinformboundaryidentificationandalsoinformcompatibleusesforotherzoneboundariesfortheotherobjectives.

• Toinformdecision-makinginthiszone,theMSPTechnicalTeammaydevelopareferencetablefordecision-making.ThistableidentifiesbiodiversityattributesorvaluesfromthePAproject,alistofactivities(lowtohighimpactonbiodiversity)andconsultationlevelsneededfordecisions.Informationonthedecision-makingstructuresusedbyGovernmentofSeychelleswillbeneeded.

ZoneC:IndustrialandPublicUtilityZonePrimaryobjective:Toallocatespaceandidentifythefootprintforindustrialactivity,publicutilities,nationalsecurityandinfrastructure.Secondaryobjective:ToallocatespaceandidentifythefootprintforthewhichsupportsinfrastructurenecessaryforsustainableeconomicdevelopmentandblueeconomyrelatedactivitiesTheusesinthiszonearenoteasilymoveable,tendtobefixedinpermanentorpredictablelocationsorroutes,andtendtoberegulatedbynationalorfederalauthorities.PortsintheSeychellesincludealargeexpanseofseaareaandmarinetransportationroutes.Renewableenergyisincludedinthiszonebecausetherenewableenergytechnologyandassociatedinfrastructuretendtobelong-termandfixedinspace

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(e.g.,windturbines,transmissioncables).TheSeychellesnationalgoalisfor15%ofenergytocomefromrenewablesourcesby20309.ThegeneralintentistotargetuseswithinexistingareassuchasthoselocatedontheeastcoastofMahe,BaieSteAnne,andLaDigue.Thiszoneprovidesbusinesscertaintynowandinthefutureforindustrialactivitiesprimarilyfromthepublicsectorandgovernment,thatsupporttheSeychelleseconomyandcommunityinfrastructure.Thepurposeofthiszoneistominimiseexistingorfutureconflictsbetweenmarineinfrastructureandothermarineusesoractivities.Theusesinthiszonetendtobefixedinlocation.Infrastructure,suchashotels,thatisneededfortheprivatesectoristargetedinZoneE[MultipleUseZone].SampleManagementconditions

• Usesarepermittedinthiszoneaccordingtotheirconsistencywiththeobjective.Targeteduses

• Disposalat-seaanddredging• Maritimesecurity(e.g.,CoastGuard,docks)• MarineTransportation:ferries,shipping(localandinternational)• Ports,marinas,harbours,jetty,slipway,drydocking• Powergeneration• Reclamationareas• RenewableEnergy:wind• Telecommunications• WasteManagement

Potentialfutureuses:

• Utilities-desalinationplants• Ports-newuses

Compatibleand/orRecommendedUses:

• TBDConsiderations

• marinepollutionorsedimentationtransportthatmayaffectusesoutsidethiszone• bufferthiszoneforincompatibleusesoractivities• Renewableenergycouldexpandoffshore.Renewableenergyisnormallylocatednearthecoast

howeverproposalsundertheOceanThermalEnergyConversion(OTEC)projectareconsideringpumpingcoldwaterfromdepth,anactivitythatwouldbelocatedontheedgeoftheMaheplateau.

• NoharvestingorextractioninthiszonecouldleadtoapotentialconflictasthisareacoverstheeastcoastofMahewhichisimportantforartisanalfisheryformultiplespecieswithextensivefishingofftheseareas.

• Someactivitiesmaybeallowedseasonally• Marineinvasivespecies(causingalgalblooms)• Threatstobiodiversity

9MasdarPortVictoriaWindPowerProjectinSeychelles:http://www.masdar.ae/en/media/detail/seychelles-wind-farm

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• Aestheticvalueoftourismsitescompromised:zonewillbedevotedtolessenenvironmentdamage,pumpfundstoconservation

• Pollution:chemical,light,noise,dustZoneD:Non-renewableResourcesZonePrimaryobjective:Toallocatespaceandidentifythefootprintforoil,gasandminingdevelopment.Thiszonewouldcreatebusinessopportunitiesnowandinthefutureandminimiseconflictsbetweenthepetroleumindustryandotheruses.Thezone'sobjectivesandmanagementplanswouldlinkorconnecttoSeychellesnationalpoliciesforpetroleumdevelopmentincludingexplorationandtransportation.Theusesinthiszonearelarge-scale,arenoteasilymoveable,dependonexplorationtolocateeconomicallyviableopportunitiesforextraction,andtendtoberegulatedbynationalorfederalauthorities.SampleManagementconditions

• CompliancewithallexistingfederalActs,regulationsandpoliciesincludingpermitting,licenses,andfees

Targeteduses:

• Mining-Aggregates(constructionindustry)• Energy-Oilexplorationanddevelopmentincludingtransportation

Potentialfutureuses:

• Energy-Gasexplorationanddevelopmentincludingtransportation• Mining-mineralsandaggregates• Mining-deepsea(polymetallics)• Shipping-LNG(liquefiednaturalgas)

Compatibleand/orRecommendedUses:

• Biodiversityconservation(somewhatcompatibleforcertainspecies)• Potentialfisheriesreplenishmentareaforcertainspecies

Considerations

• overlapwithconflictinguses-fishing• existinglicensesandtenures• seismicexplorationresults,includinginareas2,000mdepth• marinepollutionthatmayaffectusesoutsidethiszone• assigned/leasedoilexplorationzonesonthecentralMaheplateau• PetroSeychellesareasforoilprospecting(seewebsite)• upstreamanddownstreameffectsofactivities• shippingroutes• notcompatiblewithindustrialandpelagicfisheries(gearentanglement)duringexploration/

seismic• Internationalpoliciesexist–egexclusionzones• EIAprocessesneedtobeadheredto

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• DuetothegeographicallocationandlargeexpanseoftheSeychellesEEZ,responsetimetoanyaccidents/spillsmaybeslow

• Needforincreased/additionalmeasurestoprotectsensitiveenvironmentfrommajoraccidents• Ifexplorationdrillingoccurs,howwilltailingsbedisposedandwhateffectwillthishaveonthe

environmentZoneE:TourismandRecreationZonePrimaryobjective:Theobjectiveofthiszoneistoallocatespacetomaximisebusinessopportunitiesfortourismandrecreation.Secondaryobjective:Thezonewouldcreatebusinesscertaintyandprotectnon-economicvaluesnowandinthefuturefortourism,recreation,andappreciationofculture.SampleManagementconditions

• Usesarepermittedinthiszoneaccordingtotheirconsistencywiththeobjective.Targeteduses:

• Coastalaccommodation• Fishing–recreation(artisanal)• Fishing–sport(catchandreleaseorextraction?)• Publicrecreation(localpopulation)• Culturalactivities• Tourism• etc.

Potentialfutureuses:• Globalsportevents• Healthtourism(detoxing)• Tourismwithapurpose(e.g.conservationetc.)

Compatibleand/orRecommendedUses:

• Monitoringandresearchstations• MPAs

Considerations

• Someusesinthiszoneareseasonalandlocationsmayneedtobesecuredtoensureopportunitiesaremaintainedfromyeartoyearatthetimewhenthemarineresourcesareused.

• existinglicensesandtenures• localtourism• recreationbytheSeychellespublicvs.recreationbytourists• recreationandsportsfishing-dotheybelongwithtourismorfisheries?• recreationalfishingisnearshoreandsportfishingisbothnearshoreand5nmoffthedropoff.• socio-economicimpactofsportsfishingrelativetorecreationfishing

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• includeartisanalfisheriesinthiszone• Possibilityforindustrialfishingboatsthatprocessfishintohighvalueendproducts.• Climatechangeimpacts:coralreefbleaching,lossofcoralsandbeaches,coastaldegradation,

changeofcoastlineNationalpoliciesthatapplytothiszone:Tourismpolicies,BeachControlAct,HireCraftAct,TCPAandLUP,HarbourAct,ProtectedArea(PA)policyandNPNCA,LightingofFires,LicensingAct,SSDS,PublicNuisanceAct.

VII. Implementationofzoning

Developinganimplementationplanisanimportantcomponentofamarinespatialplanningprocess.Animplementationplantypicallycoversseveraltopicsincludinggovernance,financing,monitoring,andevaluations.SomeideasforimplementationrelativetozoningweresuggestedbytheMSPTechnicalWorkingGroupinJuly2014:

• Establishaprocessthatwouldmonitortheimplementationstatusofeachzoneperiodicallytoensurethateachzoneismeetingitsintended.

• Thecapacityofinstitutions/governmenttomanagethezonedareasneedstobeevaluatedsincethereisnouseinzoningifcapacityforimplementationislacking.Itwasassumedthatacapacityneedassessmentwouldbepartoftheprocessevenatthisearlystage;acapacityassessmentwouldbeusefulduringtheMSPprocess.

VIII. Dataandcriteriaforspatialextentofzones(Step3and8)

ThespatiallocationsofusesareneededinordertoproceedwithdevelopingadraftzoningmapfortheSeychelles.Theecologicalandsocio-economicmembersoftheTechnicalWorkingGroupsareaskedtocontributespatiallocationsfortheirusesduringandaftertheworkshoponJuly9,2014.TheMSPTechnicalTeamisinterestedintheareasorlocationsthatareimportantforuses,aswellasareaswithknownorpotentialconflictsbetweenuses.Itisalsohelpfultoknowwhatareasarenotimportanttouses,orneverused,tospecifythatoverlapbetweencertainactivitieswillnotoccuringeospatialanalyses.Ifareasorlocationscannotbespecified,perhapsthereareproxydatathatcanbeusedtoidentifyimportantorhighprioritylocations,forexample,coralreefsforcertainfisheriesortourismactivities.Somegeneralcriteriafordefiningthespatialextentofzonesanddesignconsiderationsforzoningincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• jurisdictionalboundaries• existingspatialplans• existinguses• localknowledge• targets(whatpercentageoftheEEZwillthezonecover?)• shape(arethelinesstraight?dotheyfollowbathymetryorotherfeatures?)• buffers(willzonesneedabuffer?whichones?)• overlap(willzonesoverlapexistingzonationorspatialregulations?)• intensity(howintenseistheuse?)• frequency(howoftenistheuse?)

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• temporal(whendoestheuseoccur?)• spatial(wheredoestheuseoccur?)

IX. Compatibilitymatrix-SAMPLE(Step9)

Toinformzoning,compatibilitiesbetweenusesmustbeidentifiedandarticulated.Thelevelofcompatibilitycanbearticulatedsimplyasyesorno,orbeprovidedonarelativescalefromcompatible,toincompatible,orbyusinghigh,medium,low(Figure3).

Figure3.AsimplecompatibilitymatrixfortheGrenadines,showingrelativecompatibilitybycolourcode(source:Baldwin2012).

InSeychelles,aninitialdraftmatrixwasdevelopedbyreviewinginformationfromtheSeychelles,examiningmatricesfromothergeographies(e.g.,Caribbean,Canada,USA),andwithinputfromtheMSPTechnicalWorkingGroupandmarinestakeholders.TheSeychellescompatibilitymatrixisbeingrevisedduringtheMSPprocessandthelatestversionisincludedhere(Figure4).AdecisionwasmadebytheparticipantsintheMSPprocesstohaveasomewhatdetailedcompatibilitymatrixthatlistsspecificuses.

Figure4.DraftcompatibilitymatrixfortheSeychellesEEZ,showingrelativecompatibilitybycolourcode.SeeMSExcelspreadsheetforlargerformat(Version4.0,January2015).

version(4.0 Date:(8(Jan(2015This%draft%has%not%been%approved%by%the%Seychelles%MSP%Initiative.New$cell$numbers$-$January$2015 A B C D F E G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AA BB

ID Zones(and(Suggested(NamesTargeted(Uses(in(each(zone

(f(=(future)((*(=(added(use,(Nov/Dec)

Artisanal

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Mariculture

Semi\ind

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Fisheries(R

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Biod

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Strict%N

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Ecolog

ical%Reserve%(IUC

N%IV)

Natio

nal%Park%(IU

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Protected%Land

scap

e/Seascape%(IUC

N%V)

Sustaina

ble%Us

e%Area%(IUC

N%VI)

Disposal\at\sea(Sites

Ferries

Ports,(Harbo

urs,(M

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Reclam

ation

Rene

wable(Ene

rgy:(wind

Shipping:(Internatio

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Minerals(a

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Natural(Gas(Exploratio

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Shipping:(Petroleum

Petroleu

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n:(se

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Petroleu

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Recreatio

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Recreatio

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Seyche

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Sport(fish

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Tourism

((motorise

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Tourism

((non

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1 A(\(Food(Security(&(Fishing Artisanal2 A(\(Food(Security(&(Fishing Industrial(tuna 13 A(\(Food(Security(&(Fishing Mariculture 2 284 A(\(Food(Security(&(Fishing Semi\industrial 3 29 545 A(\(Food(Security(&(Fishing Fisheries(replenishment 4 30 55 796 B(\(Biodiversity Biodiversity(protection 5 31 56 80 1037 B(\(Biodiversity Strict%Nature%Reserve%(IUCN%1a) 6 32 57 81 1048 B(\(Biodiversity Ecological%Reserve%(IUCN%IV) 7 33 58 82 1059 B(\(Biodiversity National%Park%(IUCN%II) 8 34 59 83 10610 B(\(Biodiversity Protected%Landscape/Seascape%(IUCN%V) 9 35 60 84 10711 B(\(Biodiversity Sustainable%Use%Area%(IUCN%VI) 10 36 61 85 10812 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Disposal\at\sea(Sites 11 37 62 86 109 126 143 160 177 194 21113 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Ferries 12 38 63 87 110 127 144 161 178 195 212 22814 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Ports,(Harbours,(Marinas 13 39 64 88 111 128 145 162 179 196 213 229 24415 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Reclamation 14 40 65 89 112 129 146 163 180 197 214 230 245 25916 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Renewable(Energy:(wind((f) 15 41 66 90 113 130 147 164 181 198 215 231 246 260 27317 C(\(Industrial(&(Public(Utility Shipping:(International 16 42 67 91 114 131 148 165 182 199 216 232 247 261 274 28618 D(\(Non\renewable(Resources Mining:(Minerals(and(Aggregates((f) 17 43 68 92 115 132 149 166 183 200 217 233 248 262 275 287 29819 D(\(Non\renewable(Resources Natural(Gas(Development((f) 18 44 69 93 116 133 150 167 184 201 218 234 249 263 276 288 299 30920 D(\(Non\renewable(Resources Shipping:(Petroleum((f) 19 45 70 94 117 134 151 168 185 202 219 235 250 264 277 289 300 310 31921 D(\(Non\renewable(Resources Petroleum(Exploration:(seismic* 20 46 71 95 118 135 152 169 186 203 220 236 251 265 278 290 301 311 320 32822 D(\(Non\renewable(Resources Petroleum(Development((f) 21 47 72 96 119 136 153 170 187 204 221 237 252 266 279 291 302 312 321 329 33623 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Recreation((motorised) 22 48 73 97 120 137 154 171 188 205 222 238 253 267 280 292 303 313 322 330 337 34324 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Recreation((non\motorised)* 23 49 74 98 121 138 155 172 189 206 223 239 254 268 281 293 304 314 323 331 338 344 34925 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Seychelles(Culture 24 50 75 99 122 139 156 173 190 207 224 240 255 269 282 294 305 315 324 332 339 345 350 35426 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Sport(fishing 25 51 76 100 123 140 157 174 191 208 225 241 256 270 283 295 306 316 325 333 340 346 351 355 35827 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Tourism((motorised) 26 52 77 101 124 141 158 175 192 209 226 242 257 271 284 296 307 317 326 334 341 347 352 356 359 36128 E(\(Tourism(&(Recreation Tourism((non\motorised)* 27 53 78 102 125 142 159 176 193 210 227 243 258 272 285 297 308 318 327 335 342 348 353 357 360 362 363

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Itispossiblethatsomeusesdonotoverlapinspace(ortime),andeither"nooverlap"canbeused,orN/Afornotapplicable.Oncecompatibilitiesareidentified,orapproximated,decision-supporttoolscansometimesbeused,suchasMarxanorMarxanwithZones(Balletal.2009),ifthereareenoughspatialinformationforuses,andadraftmapcreatedtorepresenteachzone.Ifspatialinformationisnotavailable,spatialproxyinformationmaybeavailableorexpertinputfrommarinesectorsinSeychellesmaybeneededtoprovidethebestavailableinformation.

X. Descriptionsforuses(Step8)

Anotherplanningtoolthatisdevelopedduringzoningisalistanddescriptionforeachuseoractivitythatisincludedinthecompatibilitymatrixandzonetypes.AMasterListofUsesandActivitiesisbeingdevelopedandtheMSPTechnicalTeamislookingtotheGovernmentofSeychelles,MSPTechnicalWorkingGroups,stakeholderengagementworkshopsandotherstoassistwithprovidingthecorrectterminologyanddescriptionsforalloftheusesthatareincludedinthedraftSeychellesmarineplan(see:'DraftMasterListofUsesandActivities'report).

XI. RecommendedUsestables-SAMPLE(Step8)

Oncethezonetypesaredetermined,andtheprimaryobjective,targetedusesandmanagementconditionsdrafted,otherallowableareidentifiedforeachzonetype.Thisinformationcanbedisplayedina'RecommendedUsesTable'(forexample,seeTable2).Asampletablehasbeencreatedforillustrativepurposesonly;theMSPInitiativewilldevelopthetablesoncethezonesaredescribed.

Table2.Sample'RecommendedUsesTable'thatidentifiesallowableactivitiesbyzonetype,aplanningtoolthatassistswithdevelopingmanagementplansaswellasregulation,enforcementandcomplianceforeachzone.

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6. AcknowledgementsandDocumentDevelopmentThecontentsandideascontainedwithinthedraftZoningProposalweredevelopedasaresultofthediscussionsandcommentsduringMSPstakeholdermeetingsinFebandMay2014.AdraftZoningProposalwasdevelopedandpresentedtotheMSPTechnicalWorkingGroupinJuly2014forreviewandinput(version1.1).ThedraftproposalwasrevisedandpresentedagaintoTechnicalWorkingCommitteeforreviewandinput(version1.2)priortosubmissiontotheSteeringCommittee.ThedraftproposalwasrevisedbasedonTechnicalWorkingGroupinputandpresentedtotheMSPSteeringCommitteeinAugust2014(version1.3)ThedraftproposalwasrevisedbasedonSteeringCommitteeinputandrecommendationsm,andwaspresentedtothestakeholdercommitteeinAugust2014(version2.0).TheseconddraftwasrevisedbasedoncommentsfromstakeholdersinAugust2014,commentsfromTechnicalWorkingGroupmembersandothermeetingswithstakeholdersandgovernmentinOctober2014(version3.0)anddocumentcleanup.ThisversionoftheZoningDocumentwasprovidedtotheSteeringCommitteeforreferenceinDecember2014(version3.1).

7. AbbreviationsandGlosssaryAbbreviations

EBM-Ecosystem-basedManagement

GEF-GlobalEnvironmentalFacility

GOS-GovernmentofSeychelles

IPCC-IntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange

IUCN-InternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature

MPA-MarineProtectedArea

MSP-MarineSpatialPlanning

NGO-Non-GovernmentalOrganisation

PCU-ProgrammeCoordinatingUnit

SeyCCAT-SeychellesConservation&ClimateAdaptationTrust

SIDS-SmallIslandDevelopingStates

TNC-TheNatureConservancy

UNDP-UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme

8. GlossaryAirshed-Anareawherethemovementofair(andthusairpollutants)canbehinderedbylocalgeographicfeaturessuchasmountains,andbyweatherconditions(BritishColumbia2014).Anairshedisageographicareawithinwhichairpollutantconcentrationstendtobesimilarandpollutantsdonottendtomixwiththoseinadjoiningairsheds(exceptduringwindyperiods)(NelsonCityCouncil2014).

Biodiversity-meansthevariabilityamonglivingorganismsfromallsourcesincluding,interalia,terrestrial,marineandotheraquaticecosystemsandtheecologicalcomplexesofwhichtheyarepart;thisincludesdiversitywithinspecies,betweenspeciesandofecosystems(CBD1992).

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BlueEconomy-AdevelopingworldinitiativepioneeredbytheSmallIslandDevelopingStatesandrelevanttoallcoastalstatesandcountrieswithaninterestinwatersbeyondnationaljurisdiction.TheBlueEconomyparadigmgoesfarbeyondtheconceptofocean-basedeconomiestoconstituteasustainabledevelopmentframeworkfordevelopingcountriesaddressingequityinaccessto,developmentofandsharingofbenefitsfromresources;offeringscopere-investmentinhumandevelopmentandthealleviationofcripplingnationaldebtburdens.TheBlueEconomyespousesthesamedesiredoutcomeastheRio+20GreenEconomyinitiativenamely:"improvedhumanwell-beingandsocialequity,whilesignificantlyreducingenvironmentalrisksandecologicalscarcities(UNEP2013;Seychelles2013).Fundamentaltothisapproachistheprincipleofequityfordevelopingcountries.AtthecoreoftheBlueEconomyisthede-couplingofsocioeconomicdevelopmentfromenvironmentaldegradation.Formoreinformation,seetheSeychellesConceptPaperontheBlueEconomy2013andtheBlueEconomy,AbuDhabiDeclaration2014.

CarbonSink-naturalsystemsthatabsorbortakeupcarbonandstoreit.Plantsarenaturalcarbonsinks,takingupcarbondioxideduringphotosynthesis.Theprocessbywithnaturalsinksremovecarbondioxidefromtheatmosphereiscalledcarbonsequestration.Carbonsequestrationcanalsorefertoamitigationtechniquetostorecarbondioxideand/orotherformsofcarbontodeferoravoidclimatechanges(e.g.,ironfertilisationandoceanstorage).

Climatechangeadaptation-Adjustmentinnaturalorhumansystemsinresponsetoactualorexpectedclimaticstimuliortheireffects,whichmoderateharmorexploitbeneficialopportunities(IPCC2007)

Compatibilitymatrix-Acommonlyusedplanningtooltoassistplanningbodiesanddecision-makersindeterminingwhetherause,oractivity,shouldoccurinageographicalareaorspace(EhlerandDouvere2009).

Conservation-ThemaintenanceorsustainableuseoftheEarth’sresourcesinordertomaintainecosystem,speciesandgeneticdiversityandtheevolutionaryandotherprocessesthatshapesthem(CBD1992).

Ecosystem-basedmanagement-Ecosystem-basedmanagementisanadaptiveapproachtomanaginghumanactivitiesthatseekstoensurethecoexistenceofhealthy,fullyfunctioningecosystemsandhumancommunities.Theintentistomaintainthosespatialandtemporalcharacteristicsofecosystemssuchthatcomponentspeciesandecologicalprocessescanbesustained,andhumanwell-beingsupportedandimproved(Foleyetal.2010).

Ecosystemservices-Thebenefitspeopleobtainfromecosystems,includingprovisioningservices,suchasfoodandwater;regulatingservicessuchastheregulationoffloods,drought,landdegradation,anddisease;supportingservicessuchassoilformationandnutrientcycling;andculturalservicessuchasrecreational,spiritual,religiousandothernonmaterialbenefits(Hassanetal.2005).

MappingOceanWealth-Aprocesstodescribeandquantifythenaturalbenefitsoftheoceantopeople.Aprocessmovingfrombroadglobalaveragestospecificlocaldetails,evaluatingnatureasanassetandincorporatingitsbenefitsintoallcoastalplanningdecisions(TNC2014).

MarineProtectedArea(MPA)-Aclearlydefinedgeographicspacethatisrecognised,dedicatedandmanagedthroughlegalorothereffectivemeanstoachievethelong-termconservationofnaturewithassociatedecosystemservices,heritageresources,FirstNationsculturalresources(Laffoley2008).

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MarineSpatialPlanning(MSP)-Apublicprocessofanalyzingandallocatingthespatialandtemporaldistributionofhumanactivitiesinmarineareastoachieveecological,economicandsocialobjectivesthathavebeenspecifiedthroughapoliticalprocess(EhlerandDouvere2009).

Marxan-Marxanissoftwarethatdeliversdecisionsupportforconservationplanning.Itwasdesignedtohelpinformtheselectionofnewconservationareasforminimalcost,andfacilitatetheexplorationoftrade-offsbetweenconservationandsocio-economicobjectives.Marxancanhelpsetprioritiesforconservationactionbyhighlightingthoseplacesthatarelikelytobeimportantinclusionsinanefficientreservenetwork.Marxancanalsobeemployedasatoolforevaluatinghowwellexistingreservenetworksachievethegoalsofrepresentativenessandcomprehensiveness(Balletal.2009).

Stakeholder-Allpartiesparticipatingandengagedintheplanningprocessincludinggovernmentagencies,marinesectorsforusesandactivities(e.g.,aquaculture,conservation,energy,fisheries,transportation,tourism),andcoastalcommunities.

Sustainabledevelopment-Developmentthatmeetstheneedsofthepresentwithoutcompromisingtheabilityoffuturegenerationstomeettheirownneeds.Sustainabledevelopmentisatermthathasbeencriticisedasbeingambiguous,andopentoarangeofinterpretations,includingcontradictions.Sustainabledevelopmentisintendedtomeanimprovingthequalityofhumanlifewhilelivingwithinthecarryingcapacityofsupportingecosystems(WorldCommissiononEnvironmentandDevelopment1987).

Sustainableharvestrate-Therateofharvestthatiswithinanecosystem'snaturalabilitytorecoverandregenerate(EnvironmentCanada1995).

Sustainableuse-Applicableonlytorenewableresources,andreferstousingthematrateswithintheircapacityforrenewal.Minerals,oil,gasandcoalareeffectivelynonrenewableandthuscannotbeusedsustainably.However,thelengthoftimethatthesenonrenewableresourcesareavailablecanbeextendedbyrecyclingmaterials,usinglessofaresourcetomakeaproduct,andswitchingtorenewablesubstitutes(IUCN,UNEPandWWF1991).Theuseofcomponentsofbiologicaldiversityinawayandataratethatdoesnotleadtothelong-termdeclineofbiologicaldiversity,therebymaintainingitspotentialtomeettheneedsandaspirationsofpresentandfuturegenerations(CBD1992).

Zoning-Methodtodelineateareasofthecoastalandmarineenvironmentforspecificactivitiesintimeand/orspace(Agardy2010).

9. VersionTrackingVersion1.0–DraftsubmittedtoTechnicalWorkingGroupandSteeringCommitteeafterMSPStakeholderWorkshops1(February2014)and2(May2014).Revisedbasedoninput.AdditionalreviewbyScienceAdvisorstoprocess.

Version2.0.–DraftsubmittedtoMSPStakeholderWorkshop3(August2014).Revisedbasedoninput.

Version3.0–DraftsubmittedtoTechnicalWorkingGroup(October2014).

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ContactIrisCarolus,SeychellesMSPCoordinator

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