spatial planning in the marine environment

Spatial planning in the marine environment

Gillian Glegg and Jonathan Richards

Marine Planning

• Is an ‘evolving idea’ which has been the focus of an intensive study by UNESCO

• Has been used in Australia, Canada and a few other areas

• Is a key feature in the Marine and Coastal Access Bill

Plymouth Mar Bill Jan09 2

“Our seas provide food, transport, recreation,

relaxation and inspiration”

Lord Hunt of King’s Heath at the 2nd reading of the Marine and

Coastal Access Bill to the House of Commons


Many competing activities

• Fishing – potting, dredging, cultivation

• Transport –goods and people

• Aggregate extraction• Oil and gas

exploration• Conservation

• Recreation including– Shore based activities

(walking, – On / in water activities

(sailing, diving)• Renewable energy

generation– Wind power– Wave power– Tidal power


Renewable energy such as wave power presents new challenges


Artists impression of the SW Wave Hub (SWRDA)

And different interests….

Marine Bill Plymouth Jan 09 6

And different interests….

Oct.2009 7

Can sometimes be in conflict!

From cbwps.org.uk

Why do we need marine planning?

• Increasing diversity and extent of sea uses• Evidence of excessive use/ failure of

current systems e.g.– Conflicts between user groups– Pressure on certain habitat types

• Requirements of EU directives to meet– Marine Strategy Framework Directive


Marine spatial planning

The process of analysing and allocating parts of three - dimensional marine spaces (ecosystems) to specific uses, to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that are usually specified through a political process'

(Ehler & Douvere 2007)

LGiU/LGA Oct.2009 9

The UK’s path to planning

• Assessment of the way forward– Safeguarding our Seas – State of our Seas

• Pilot planning project in Irish Sea• The Marine and Coastal Access Bill -

Marine plans and planning are a key component


What does the Bill say?• It defines the planning regions • It defines the Marine Plan Authorities and

allows delegation• It notes plans must be in accordance with the

Marine Policy Statement• It makes clear plans must be kept under review • It states decisions in a marine plan area must

be taken in accordance the MPS and marine plan adopted

11Plymouth Mar Bill Jan09

12

Goals and objectives

Spatial data

Planning guidance, relevant legislation

Assessment of the region integrating objectives, conflicts,

opportunities etc

Generation of plans; scenario assessment and consideration

Implement planning and management options

Monitor + review

Monitor + review

(Taken from Gilliand and Lafolley, 2008)

The Basic Steps to MP

Good practice?

What do we know about implementation under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill?

How does this compare to the key lessons learned from the UNESCO workshop?

(Ehler, 2008)


Good practice?

• A statutory enforceable process for marine spatial planning




Spatial data


Assessment of the region integrating objectives,

conflicts, opportunities etc



Monitor + review

Monitor + review


Good practice?


• Clear and measurable objectives




Spatial data






Monitor + review

Monitor + review


The Marine Policy Statement should enable, in 20 years, the

vision to be achieved e.g.

“clean, safe, healthy, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas, the ‘Good Environmental Status’ required by the EU Marine Strategy and the ‘Good Status’ required by WFD”


LGiU/LGA Oct.2009 19

Consultation on high level objectives (or goals) closed in September 2008

Goals proposed included

• Achieving a sustainable marine economy• Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society• Living within environmental limits• Promoting good governance• Using sound science reasonably (including

precautionary principle)Need SMART objectives and indicators for

practical application


SMART

• Specific• Measurable• Achievable• Realistic • Time limited

Objectives that relate to ‘clean, healthy, productive and biologically diverse’ seas


Good practice?


• Clear goals and SMART objectives


Good practice?


• Clear goals and SMART objectives• A sound information base




Spatial data






Monitor + review

Monitor + review


Good practice?


• Clear goals and SMART objectives• A sound information base comprising

social and natural science information


Good practice?



social and natural science information• Stakeholder involvement early and often


Review of plans must be carried out after 3 years and take into consideration

– The physical, environmental, social, cultural, and economic characteristics of the region and the living resources it supports

– The purposes for which it is used– Communications, energy and transport– Its contribution to the implementation of the

Marine Policy Statement


Good practice?



social and natural science information• Stakeholder involvement early and often• Integration of MSP with other plans e.g.

terrestrial land use, catchment and ICZM


So how does the draft Bill measure up?

So far so good but there is a lack of clarity-the structure is there but how will this be

implemented


Uncertainties and concerns

• Scale of plans; level of detail• Integration with existing management

activities• Stakeholder engagement - mechanisms• Tools to be used


Tools

• Zoning – Based on habitat types or activity zones?

• Cumulative effect assessment– Really cumulative or just additive?

• Decision support systems– for use by scientists or regulators and

planners?


Uncertainties and concerns

• Scale of plans; level of detail• Integration with existing management

activities• Stakeholder engagement - mechanisms• Tools to be used• Resources – human and financial


spatial planning in the marine environment

Documents

marine areas

marine bill plymouth

marine strategy directive

state of marine ecosystems

water framework directive

bill jan093many

bill jan094renewable

coastal access bill