Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a process that brings together multiple users of the ocean – including energy, industry, government, conservation and recreation – to make informed and coordinated decisions about how to use marine resources sustainably. MSP generally uses maps to create a more comprehensive picture of a marine area[1] – identifying where and how an ocean area is being used and what natural resources and habitat exist.[2] It is similar to land-use planning, but for marine waters.
Through the planning and mapping process of a marine ecosystem, planners can consider the cumulative effect of maritime industries on our seas, seek to make industries more sustainable and proactively minimize conflicts between industries seeking to utilise the same sea area. The intended result of MSP is a more coordinated and sustainable approach to how our oceans are used – ensuring that marine resources and services are utilized, but within clear environmental limits to ensure marine ecosystems remain healthy and biodiversity is conserved.
- ^ Harris, P.T.; Heap, A.D.; Whiteway, T.; Post, A.L. (2008). "Application of biophysical information to support Australia's representative marine protected area program". Ocean and Coastal Management. 51 (10): 701–11. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.07.007.
- ^ Baker, E.K.; Harris, P.T. (2012). "Habitat Mapping and Marine Management". In Harris, P.T.; Baker, E.K. (eds.). Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat: GeoHab Atlas of seafloor geomorphic features and benthic habitats. Amsterdam: Elsevier. pp. 23–38.