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As area-based marine conservation coverage expands to meet global targets, tension with fishing activities increases. While fully protected areas (FPAs) provide the largest range of long-term social-ecological benefits, their establishment has been constrained by difficulties arising from the short-term costs of protection, and associated limitations in economic incentives and in the resources required for effective implementation. Building on an existing bio-economic model for self-financed FPAs, we examine the economic and operational feasibility of establishing an ecolabel approach to balance the costs endured by fishers when implementing an FPA. Optimal increased profits can be achieved by designating the ecolabelled self-funded managed-fishing area for 20–25% of FPA. Multi-zone MPAs with a price premium derived from catch ecolabel certification inside partially protected areas surrounding FPAs provide incentives to help fishers engage into adopting sustainable fishing practices. Here we pave the way for more innovative approaches towards transformative changes for fisheries sustainability.

Highlights : > Managing the harvesting of wild growing kelp is still the most developed form of kelp management. > Humans’ intensifying use of the ocean is exposing kelp to many pressures in addition to harvesting. The cumulative impacts of these pressures need to be addressed in an integrated manner. > Ecosystem-based management is a strategic approach to integrated ecosystem management that can act as an umbrella for other approaches, including marine spatial planning, MPAs and initiatives towards individual activities that affect kelp ecosystems. > The management of kelp as ecosystems is usually not specific and tends to be included in more general approaches to ocean management.

IntroductionCoastal and continental shelf ecosystems are among the most productive, yet exploited, ecosystems. The Grande Vasière (GV) covers most part of the French Northern part of the Bay of Biscay, a crucial fishing ground for metropolitan France. It is the place of numerous uses, especially fishing, and will soon shelter sand extraction activities and offshore windfarms. All these activities may compete for space and resources and put pressure on habitats, biodiversity and subsequent ecosystem services (ES). Current management strategies integrate these activities and biodiversity conservation schemes but no ES. MethodsTo fill that gap, we quantified and mapped nine indicators of ecosystem processes (EP), used as proxies of four ES (i.e. sea food provisioning, biological control, regulation of environmental conditions and life cycle maintenance). Due to the complexity of ES, we investigated several EP by ES. Then we identified hotspots and coldspots of supply and spatial overlap among EP and other uses (conservation, fishing, offshore windfarms and sand extraction). ResultsEP mapping suggests a higher capacity of supply of the chosen ES in the Northern part of the GV. We found a strong spatial heterogeneity among the EP related to the same ES, underlining a point of vigilance when designing management measures to sustain ES supply. Northern EP hotspots overlap with high amounts of bottom trawl fishing effort. Higher levels of commercial species diversity and sole spawning grounds in the South overlap with higher amounts of gillnet fishing effort. Areas of sand extraction prospection and offshore windfarms under construction should not overlap with hotspots of EP, at the exception of the sole spawning ground and the commercial species diversity hotspots. Finally, we highlight an overlap of more than 20% of four EP hotspots with Natura 2000 areas, while the Marine Natural Park in the South covers more EP coldspots (i.e. hake nursery, encounter rate, trophic links

A group of Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais, 1885), Gervais’ Beaked Whales, were recorded along the Demerara Plateau (Suriname) at depths of 2,300 and 2,700 m. These are the first records of the species within the Guiana Basin. The Demerara Plateau may well offer an important habitat for deep-diving beaked whales, but further research is needed. We emphasize that, in light of a recent increase in oil and gas exploitation activities, there is an urgency to develop effective regionally and nationally specific conservation measures for whales in Suriname.

Highlights : > Managing the harvesting of wild growing kelp is still the most developed form of kelp management. > Humans’ intensifying use of the ocean is exposing kelp to many pressures in addition to harvesting. The cumulative impacts of these pressures need to be addressed in an integrated manner. > Ecosystem-based management is a strategic approach to integrated ecosystem management that can act as an umbrella for other approaches, including marine spatial planning, MPAs and initiatives towards individual activities that affect kelp ecosystems. > The management of kelp as ecosystems is usually not specific and tends to be included in more general approaches to ocean management.

As area-based marine conservation coverage expands to meet global targets, tension with fishing activities increases. While fully protected areas (FPAs) provide the largest range of long-term social-ecological benefits, their establishment has been constrained by difficulties arising from the short-term costs of protection, and associated limitations in economic incentives and in the resources required for effective implementation. Building on an existing bio-economic model for self-financed FPAs, we examine the economic and operational feasibility of establishing an ecolabel approach to balance the costs endured by fishers when implementing an FPA. Optimal increased profits can be achieved by designating the ecolabelled self-funded managed-fishing area for 20–25% of FPA. Multi-zone MPAs with a price premium derived from catch ecolabel certification inside partially protected areas surrounding FPAs provide incentives to help fishers engage into adopting sustainable fishing practices. Here we pave the way for more innovative approaches towards transformative changes for fisheries sustainability.

While blue justice has gained traction, recognition and capability, which are necessary conditions for procedural and distributive justice, remain under-developed. We develop a four-dimensional blue justice framework that builds on recognition and capabilities to critically examine and advance justice in Poland’s marine spatial planning (MSP). We find that misrecognition of differential identities and capacities scripted powerless stakeholders out of participation and reduced possibilities for fair distribution. Conversely, MSP regulation augmented the rights of powerful actors through granting de jure “objecting” rights to some, inviting only strategic sectors to agenda-setting fora and, limiting MSP communication to meeting legal requirements. Several stakeholders also see defence and wind energy as key winners of MSP. While society will benefit from national security and energy sufficiency, especially given Russia’s increased weaponization of energy, many believe that financial profits from wind energy will accrue to developers. We offer governmental and planning measures to enhance capabilities.

While blue justice has gained traction, recognition and capability, which are necessary conditions for procedural and distributive justice, remain under-developed. We develop a four-dimensional blue justice framework that builds on recognition and capabilities to critically examine and advance justice in Poland’s marine spatial planning (MSP). We find that misrecognition of differential identities and capacities scripted powerless stakeholders out of participation and reduced possibilities for fair distribution. Conversely, MSP regulation augmented the rights of powerful actors through granting de jure “objecting” rights to some, inviting only strategic sectors to agenda-setting fora and, limiting MSP communication to meeting legal requirements. Several stakeholders also see defence and wind energy as key winners of MSP. While society will benefit from national security and energy sufficiency, especially given Russia’s increased weaponization of energy, many believe that financial profits from wind energy will accrue to developers. We offer governmental and planning measures to enhance capabilities.

Marine ecosystems are highly dynamic and complex and contribute immensely to human well-being. Spatiotemporal overlaps of marine uses and human activities are constantly pressuring ecosystems, and that in turn impacts the supply quantity and quality of various ecosystem services (ES). This study is the first attempt to use the ES matrix to link marine uses and the capacity to supply ES. Combining expert- and literature-based evaluations, we assessed the relationships of twelve marine uses and five selected ecosystem services in the German North and Baltic Sea and mapped their spatial distribution. Despite a limited data availability and a higher need for simplification, the matrix approach proved to be applicable for the marine realm. Areas used for tourism and those that provide coastal safeguarding show high values of ES supply in comparison to areas used for sediment extraction and areas previously used as ammunition dumping areas. Nature conservation areas tend to have the highest capacity to supply ES. Differences in the ES supply pattern between the North Sea and Baltic Sea were identified. The results show the influence of anthropogenic activities on the spatial distribution of ES supply and can support future marine planning.

While blue justice has gained traction, recognition and capability, which are necessary conditions for procedural and distributive justice, remain under-developed. We develop a four-dimensional blue justice framework that builds on recognition and capabilities to critically examine and advance justice in Poland’s marine spatial planning (MSP). We find that misrecognition of differential identities and capacities scripted powerless stakeholders out of participation and reduced possibilities for fair distribution. Conversely, MSP regulation augmented the rights of powerful actors through granting de jure “objecting” rights to some, inviting only strategic sectors to agenda-setting fora and, limiting MSP communication to meeting legal requirements. Several stakeholders also see defence and wind energy as key winners of MSP. While society will benefit from national security and energy sufficiency, especially given Russia’s increased weaponization of energy, many believe that financial profits from wind energy will accrue to developers. We offer governmental and planning measures to enhance capabilities.

While blue justice has gained traction, recognition and capability, which are necessary conditions for procedural and distributive justice, remain under-developed. We develop a four-dimensional blue justice framework that builds on recognition and capabilities to critically examine and advance justice in Poland’s marine spatial planning (MSP). We find that misrecognition of differential identities and capacities scripted powerless stakeholders out of participation and reduced possibilities for fair distribution. Conversely, MSP regulation augmented the rights of powerful actors through granting de jure “objecting” rights to some, inviting only strategic sectors to agenda-setting fora and, limiting MSP communication to meeting legal requirements. Several stakeholders also see defence and wind energy as key winners of MSP. While society will benefit from national security and energy sufficiency, especially given Russia’s increased weaponization of energy, many believe that financial profits from wind energy will accrue to developers. We offer governmental and planning measures to enhance capabilities.

IntroductionCoastal and continental shelf ecosystems are among the most productive, yet exploited, ecosystems. The Grande Vasière (GV) covers most part of the French Northern part of the Bay of Biscay, a crucial fishing ground for metropolitan France. It is the place of numerous uses, especially fishing, and will soon shelter sand extraction activities and offshore windfarms. All these activities may compete for space and resources and put pressure on habitats, biodiversity and subsequent ecosystem services (ES). Current management strategies integrate these activities and biodiversity conservation schemes but no ES. MethodsTo fill that gap, we quantified and mapped nine indicators of ecosystem processes (EP), used as proxies of four ES (i.e. sea food provisioning, biological control, regulation of environmental conditions and life cycle maintenance). Due to the complexity of ES, we investigated several EP by ES. Then we identified hotspots and coldspots of supply and spatial overlap among EP and other uses (conservation, fishing, offshore windfarms and sand extraction). ResultsEP mapping suggests a higher capacity of supply of the chosen ES in the Northern part of the GV. We found a strong spatial heterogeneity among the EP related to the same ES, underlining a point of vigilance when designing management measures to sustain ES supply. Northern EP hotspots overlap with high amounts of bottom trawl fishing effort. Higher levels of commercial species diversity and sole spawning grounds in the South overlap with higher amounts of gillnet fishing effort. Areas of sand extraction prospection and offshore windfarms under construction should not overlap with hotspots of EP, at the exception of the sole spawning ground and the commercial species diversity hotspots. Finally, we highlight an overlap of more than 20% of four EP hotspots with Natura 2000 areas, while the Marine Natural Park in the South covers more EP coldspots (i.e. hake nursery, encounter rate, trophic links

While blue justice has gained traction, recognition and capability, which are necessary conditions for procedural and distributive justice, remain under-developed. We develop a four-dimensional blue justice framework that builds on recognition and capabilities to critically examine and advance justice in Poland’s marine spatial planning (MSP). We find that misrecognition of differential identities and capacities scripted powerless stakeholders out of participation and reduced possibilities for fair distribution. Conversely, MSP regulation augmented the rights of powerful actors through granting de jure “objecting” rights to some, inviting only strategic sectors to agenda-setting fora and, limiting MSP communication to meeting legal requirements. Several stakeholders also see defence and wind energy as key winners of MSP. While society will benefit from national security and energy sufficiency, especially given Russia’s increased weaponization of energy, many believe that financial profits from wind energy will accrue to developers. We offer governmental and planning measures to enhance capabilities.

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is positioning itself as a rational decision-making process regulating uses of marine spaces and resources in order to reduce tensions between exploitation and conservation as well as between ocean stakeholders. As global political agendas identified marine protected areas as a key answer to biodiversity erosion, systematic reserve site selection became a critical component of MSP. Establishing an ocean zoning involves the analysis of large quantities of heterogeneous, multi-sources and spatially explicit data. This often leads to problems too complex to be solved by human intuition only, thus calling for optimisation tools to support the decisions. In that context, our work aims at informing practitioners about stakes, possibilities and limitations of MSP approach through reserve site selection tools. We first clarify the reserve site selection framework, especially the underlying mathematics - the problem formulation and the solving method. Then, we highlight potential pitfalls due to input data feeding the reserve-based planning approach. Finally, and more practically, we show to what extent parameters used in reserve selection tools shape the reserve outcome. These elements are explored and illustrated on a real case study, namely the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in the Brazilian tropical Atlantic. This work provides a brief overview of informational challenges brought by decision support tools in marine spatial planning negotiations.

The EMOD-PACE project, funded by the European Commission, aimed to promote international ocean governance between EU and China. One of the objectives of EMOD-PACE is to compare European and Chinese modelling approaches for ecosystem vulnerability assessment. In particular, our objective was to test the applicability of the Chinese evaluation approach of resource-environment carrying capacity (MRECC) and spatial development suitability (abbreviated as “double evaluation”) to a European sea (the Bay of Biscay), in the context of marine spatial planning. The methodology involves three different steps: (i) an evaluation of areas of ecological importance, which includes species and habitats (i.e., biodiversity protection) and coastal characteristics; (ii) assessment of current marine development and utilization; and (iii) an ecological risk identification and the evaluation of the MRECC, by intersecting results from (i) and (ii). After collating information for 31 species of interest (fish, reptiles, mammals and birds), seven habitats (seagrass, seaweeds, saltmarshes, fish spawning areas, tidal flats, estuaries and unique habitats), marine protected areas and eight current human activities performed at sea (aquaculture, ports, ocean energy facilities, shipping, aggregate extraction and dredging, fisheries, military areas and tourism and recreation), they were aggregated and intersected (ecological data vs. human activities), and the ecological risk was determined. Since the total area covered by Marine Protected Areas and areas of high ecological importance is 135,372 km2, the available carrying capacity for development of marine activities within the Bay of Biscay is 229,266 km2. When we apply weighting to the calculation of the ecological importance and human activities, the high importance areas increase and the available carrying capacity decreases by 0.2%, to 228,637 km2. In this work we demonstrate that the Chinese double evaluation approach can be adapted and appl

We developed a set of web-based tools to meet the demand for spatial planning and help to determine the available space suitable for marine aquaculture activity. These tools were derived from AkvaVis concept, which was initially designed for the management of Norwegian aquaculture. The AkvaVis concept was adapted to different national aquaculture contexts and two other tools were developed in France and China. Besides using GIS maps and thematic layers, interactive functions were added to enable the user to select spatial parameters, build indicators for aquaculture siting and instantly display the requested information. For each tool, we describe the main technical features, input data, data geoprocessing, output products, tool strengths and limits, and applicability to other case studies. The three tools we present share common concepts and features: • use of standardized protocols for data (Web Feature Services, Web Map Services) • reusability of the modules developed for applications to other case studies • web-based interface for spatial data viewing and processing They also show some differences, e.g., the Chinese tool exists as a desktop or a web-based support system. Differences and demonstrations for different aquaculture contexts in Europe and China offer some flexibility in future applications.

The combined use of satellite-derived environmental data and a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model to determine Pacific oyster growth potential was adapted for the South African marine environment. Study areas consisted of the West Coast (high-chlorophyll, low temperature) and the South Coast (variable chlorophyll, higher temperature) ecoregions. Chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used to simulate yearly growth for 18 years. Average growth performance at the end of the culture period was mapped and compared for prominent sectors. Industry-relevant growth indicators, "days to reach commercial weight" and "optimal culture period length" were also established. High growth potential was found in eastern nearshore sectors of the South Coast, particularly Plettenberg Bay, where oysters reached a median total weight (TW) of 271 g within 9 months. Other sectors in the region yielded Large commercial size within 150 days. However, South Coast growth hotspots were found to be highly variable, with transient unfavourable growth conditions leading to low flesh mass relative to TW. Growth potential was favourable in northern sectors of the West Coast, where oysters reached a median TW of up to 148 g in 9 months, Large commercial size within 200 days, and contained high flesh mass relative to TW. Current oyster production sites were not found to be optimal for growth. Higher-growth sites coincide with areas in economic decline or with high levels of poverty. However, due to constraints of applying DEB models over large spatial scales, these results are considered preliminary and await in situ verification, as well as a spatial multi-criteria analysis, before investment and development.

In small islands, the potential for new coastal activities and management options are often spatially limited. To reduce dependence on external factors and increase the resilience of populations to global changes and fluctuations in international markets, a recommended pathway is to diversify activities. We used a systematic prioritization tool with single and multiobjective zoning to explore the feasibility of scenarios at various levels of spatial diversification in the Gambier lagoon (French Polynesia), where black pearl culture is economically and spatially dominant. Local managers are committed to economic, livelihood, and environmental sustainability and agree that prioritizing both artisanal fisheries, which provide local food security, and ecosystem conservation should also be considered. Diversification options included the optimized reallocation of farming concessions and the identification of different types of conservation areas while taking into account traditional management areas. The scenarios were set to minimize surface areas and loss of access to existing fishing grounds. The solutions were compared between the scenarios with different cost metrics, allowing further discussions with stakeholders and managers. The Gambier case study shows that exploring diversification options in small islands using systematic prioritization tools can provide local managers with tailor-made plans adapted to island development questions

Truly sustainable development in a human-altered, fragmented marine environment subject to unprecedented climate change, demands informed planning strategies in order to be successful. Beyond a simple understanding of the distribution of marine species, data describing how variations in spatio-temporal dynamics impact ecosystem functioning and the evolution of species are required. Marine Functional Connectivity (MFC) characterizes the flows of matter, genes and energy produced by organism movements and migrations across the seascape. As such, MFC determines the ecological and evolutionary interdependency of populations, and ultimately the fate of species and ecosystems. Gathering effective MFC knowledge can therefore improve predictions of the impacts of environmental change and help to refine management and conservation strategies for the seas and oceans. Gathering these data are challenging however, as access to, and survey of marine ecosystems still presents significant challenge. Over 50 European institutions currently investigate aspects of MFC using complementary methods across multiple research fields, to understand the ecology and evolution of marine species. The aim of SEA-UNICORN, a COST Action within the European Union Horizon 2020 framework programme, is to bring together this research effort, unite the multiple approaches to MFC, and to integrate these under a common conceptual and analytical framework. The consortium brings together a diverse group of scientists to collate existing MFC data, to identify knowledge gaps, to enhance complementarity among disciplines, and to devise common approaches to MFC. SEA-UNICORN will promote co-working between connectivity practitioners and ecosystem modelers to facilitate the incorporation of MFC data into the predictive models used to identify marine conservation priorities. Ultimately, SEA-UNICORN will forge strong forward-working links between scientists, policy-makers and stakeholders to facilitate the integra

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is positioning itself as a rational decision-making process regulating uses of marine spaces and resources in order to reduce tensions between exploitation and conservation as well as between ocean stakeholders. As global political agendas identified marine protected areas as a key answer to biodiversity erosion, systematic reserve site selection became a critical component of MSP. Establishing an ocean zoning involves the analysis of large quantities of heterogeneous, multi-sources and spatially explicit data. This often leads to problems too complex to be solved by human intuition only, thus calling for optimisation tools to support the decisions. In that context, our work aims at informing practitioners about stakes, possibilities and limitations of MSP approach through reserve site selection tools. We first clarify the reserve site selection framework, especially the underlying mathematics - the problem formulation and the solving method. Then, we highlight potential pitfalls due to input data feeding the reserve-based planning approach. Finally, and more practically, we show to what extent parameters used in reserve selection tools shape the reserve outcome. These elements are explored and illustrated on a real case study, namely the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in the Brazilian tropical Atlantic. This work provides a brief overview of informational challenges brought by decision support tools in marine spatial planning negotiations.

The process of site selection and spatial planning has received scarce attention in the scientific literature dealing with marine restoration, suggesting the need to better address how spatial planning tools could guide restoration interventions. In this study, for the first time, the consequences of adopting different restoration targets and criteria on spatial restoration prioritization have been assessed at a regional scale, including the consideration of climate changes. We applied the decision-support tool Marxan, widely used in systematic conservation planning on Mediterranean macroalgal forests. The loss of this habitat has been largely documented, with limited evidences of natural recovery. Spatial priorities were identified under six planning scenarios, considering three main restoration targets to reflect the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Results show that the number of suitable sites for restoration is very limited at basin scale, and targets are only achieved when the recovery of 10% of regressing and extinct macroalgal forests is planned. Increasing targets translates into including unsuitable areas for restoration in Marxan solutions, amplifying the risk of ineffective interventions. Our analysis supports macroalgal forests restoration and provides guiding principles and criteria to strengthen the effectiveness of restoration actions across habitats. The constraints in finding suitable areas for restoration are discussed, and recommendations to guide planning to support future restoration interventions are also included.

The report provides a framework for ensuring that marine spatial planning (MSP) does not worsen poverty and gender inequality in developing countries, and that potentially marginalised groups are appropriately considered and engaged in the MSP process. This report provides guidelines for the steps of a more inclusive MSP process. The findings indicate that a scorecard can be used to guide the social sustainability of the MSP process. The criteria in the scorecard include: power and voice resources opportunity and choice security – community security and domestic harmony These criteria are based on the multi-dimensional poverty assessment framework by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Useful to planners and decisions-makers This report can be useful to MSP planners and decision-makers at both local and national levels for to design an inclusive MSP process. Metrics tested in field case studies Moderately comprehensive social surveys were undertaken in three countries to test the metrics for incorporating gender and poverty dimensions into MSP. A total of 1506 households were interviewed. Why consider poverty and gender in your marine spatial planning Long-term success of MSP hinges on the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic and social sustainability. MSP is most often a national and centrally driven process that distributes power and influence among societal actors. Because of that, MSP may entrench existing power dynamics and marginalisation of groups, such as poorer households or women. By considering poverty and gender in your MSP you may increase the long-term success of you MSP. This report forms part of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management’s efforts to support MSP implementation in the Western Indian Ocean. Financed by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency., Havsplanering är en strategisk och anpassningsbar process för fysisk planering av mänsklig verksamhet i havet på nationell, subnationell eller regional nivå. Den anses främja en hållbar utveckling av marina och maritima sektorer för att uppnå ekologiska, ekonomiska och sociala mål. Havsplaneringen har fått ett stort genomslag globalt under de senaste två decennierna, på senare år även i utvecklingsländerna. Den här rapporten innehåller ett tillvägagångssätt för att se till att havsplanering inte förvärrar fattigdom eller ojämlikhet mellan könen i utvecklingsländer, och att potentiellt marginaliserade grupper beaktas och engageras på lämpligt sätt i havsplaneringsprocessen. Även om oro har uttryckts har mycket lite forskning genomförts rörande integrering av fattigdoms- och jämställdhetsperspektivet i havsplaneringsprocessen och dess inverkan på marginaliserade grupper. Dessutom tar de många riktlinjer och verktyg som finns för att genomföra havsplanering inte uttryckligen upp dessa frågor. I den här rapporten föreslår vi att en checklista används för att vägleda och säkerställa den sociala hållbarheten i havsplaneringsprocessen. Som en del i denna checklista bör ett index för specifika kriterier som rör välbefinnandet hos potentiellt marginaliserade grupper som fattiga och kvinnor användas i multikriterieanalysen av de planeringsalternativ som övervägs samt i övervakningen av resultaten av havsplaneringen. Dessa kriterier omfattar makt och inflytande, resurser, möjligheter och valmöjligheter, trygghet i samhället och harmoni i hemmet. Kriterierna bygger på Sidas ramverk för bedömning av flerdimensionell fattigdom. Riktlinjer ges för de olika stegen i en mer inkluderande marin planeringsprocess. Pilotstudier med begränsad omfattning genomfördes i Kenya, Tanzania och Madagaskar för att testa dessa metoder för att införliva jämställdhets- och fattigdomsdimensionerna i havsplaneringen i enlighet med det utvecklade ramverket. Tillgången till data varierade från land ti

The report provides a framework for ensuring that marine spatial planning (MSP) does not worsen poverty and gender inequality in developing countries, and that potentially marginalised groups are appropriately considered and engaged in the MSP process. This report provides guidelines for the steps of a more inclusive MSP process. The findings indicate that a scorecard can be used to guide the social sustainability of the MSP process. The criteria in the scorecard include: power and voice resources opportunity and choice security – community security and domestic harmony These criteria are based on the multi-dimensional poverty assessment framework by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Useful to planners and decisions-makers This report can be useful to MSP planners and decision-makers at both local and national levels for to design an inclusive MSP process. Metrics tested in field case studies Moderately comprehensive social surveys were undertaken in three countries to test the metrics for incorporating gender and poverty dimensions into MSP. A total of 1506 households were interviewed. Why consider poverty and gender in your marine spatial planning Long-term success of MSP hinges on the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic and social sustainability. MSP is most often a national and centrally driven process that distributes power and influence among societal actors. Because of that, MSP may entrench existing power dynamics and marginalisation of groups, such as poorer households or women. By considering poverty and gender in your MSP you may increase the long-term success of you MSP. This report forms part of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management’s efforts to support MSP implementation in the Western Indian Ocean. Financed by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency., Havsplanering är en strategisk och anpassningsbar process för fysisk planering av mänsklig verksamhet i havet på nationell, subnationell eller regional nivå. Den anses främja en hållbar utveckling av marina och maritima sektorer för att uppnå ekologiska, ekonomiska och sociala mål. Havsplaneringen har fått ett stort genomslag globalt under de senaste två decennierna, på senare år även i utvecklingsländerna. Den här rapporten innehåller ett tillvägagångssätt för att se till att havsplanering inte förvärrar fattigdom eller ojämlikhet mellan könen i utvecklingsländer, och att potentiellt marginaliserade grupper beaktas och engageras på lämpligt sätt i havsplaneringsprocessen. Även om oro har uttryckts har mycket lite forskning genomförts rörande integrering av fattigdoms- och jämställdhetsperspektivet i havsplaneringsprocessen och dess inverkan på marginaliserade grupper. Dessutom tar de många riktlinjer och verktyg som finns för att genomföra havsplanering inte uttryckligen upp dessa frågor. I den här rapporten föreslår vi att en checklista används för att vägleda och säkerställa den sociala hållbarheten i havsplaneringsprocessen. Som en del i denna checklista bör ett index för specifika kriterier som rör välbefinnandet hos potentiellt marginaliserade grupper som fattiga och kvinnor användas i multikriterieanalysen av de planeringsalternativ som övervägs samt i övervakningen av resultaten av havsplaneringen. Dessa kriterier omfattar makt och inflytande, resurser, möjligheter och valmöjligheter, trygghet i samhället och harmoni i hemmet. Kriterierna bygger på Sidas ramverk för bedömning av flerdimensionell fattigdom. Riktlinjer ges för de olika stegen i en mer inkluderande marin planeringsprocess. Pilotstudier med begränsad omfattning genomfördes i Kenya, Tanzania och Madagaskar för att testa dessa metoder för att införliva jämställdhets- och fattigdomsdimensionerna i havsplaneringen i enlighet med det utvecklade ramverket. Tillgången till data varierade från land ti

The EMOD-PACE project, funded by the European Commission, aimed to promote international ocean governance between EU and China. One of the objectives of EMOD-PACE is to compare European and Chinese modelling approaches for ecosystem vulnerability assessment. In particular, our objective was to test the applicability of the Chinese evaluation approach of resource-environment carrying capacity (MRECC) and spatial development suitability (abbreviated as “double evaluation”) to a European sea (the Bay of Biscay), in the context of marine spatial planning. The methodology involves three different steps: (i) an evaluation of areas of ecological importance, which includes species and habitats (i.e., biodiversity protection) and coastal characteristics; (ii) assessment of current marine development and utilization; and (iii) an ecological risk identification and the evaluation of the MRECC, by intersecting results from (i) and (ii). After collating information for 31 species of interest (fish, reptiles, mammals and birds), seven habitats (seagrass, seaweeds, saltmarshes, fish spawning areas, tidal flats, estuaries and unique habitats), marine protected areas and eight current human activities performed at sea (aquaculture, ports, ocean energy facilities, shipping, aggregate extraction and dredging, fisheries, military areas and tourism and recreation), they were aggregated and intersected (ecological data vs. human activities), and the ecological risk was determined. Since the total area covered by Marine Protected Areas and areas of high ecological importance is 135,372 km2, the available carrying capacity for development of marine activities within the Bay of Biscay is 229,266 km2. When we apply weighting to the calculation of the ecological importance and human activities, the high importance areas increase and the available carrying capacity decreases by 0.2%, to 228,637 km2. In this work we demonstrate that the Chinese double evaluation approach can be adapted and appl

We developed a set of web-based tools to meet the demand for spatial planning and help to determine the available space suitable for marine aquaculture activity. These tools were derived from AkvaVis concept, which was initially designed for the management of Norwegian aquaculture. The AkvaVis concept was adapted to different national aquaculture contexts and two other tools were developed in France and China. Besides using GIS maps and thematic layers, interactive functions were added to enable the user to select spatial parameters, build indicators for aquaculture siting and instantly display the requested information. For each tool, we describe the main technical features, input data, data geoprocessing, output products, tool strengths and limits, and applicability to other case studies. The three tools we present share common concepts and features: • use of standardized protocols for data (Web Feature Services, Web Map Services) • reusability of the modules developed for applications to other case studies • web-based interface for spatial data viewing and processing They also show some differences, e.g., the Chinese tool exists as a desktop or a web-based support system. Differences and demonstrations for different aquaculture contexts in Europe and China offer some flexibility in future applications.

The dataset presented in this article contains information about marine Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) used to assess their contribution to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Following the scope of the analysis, ABMTs were identified by scrutinizing international and regional legal sources related to ocean management in the fields of marine conservation, fisheries, deep sea bed mining, underwater natural and cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and marine spatial planning. Legal sources were screened to depict the following characteristics of individual ABMTs: i) management objectives; ii) authorities responsible for delivering such objectives; iii) the system of management and planning entailed in the ABMT including the zoning type; and iv) the specific spatial scope and domain each ABMT refer to in vertical depth and horizontal domain. Data were generated through an internal expert elicitation. Experts, initially trained in the data analysis and related protocol, contributed to the data production because of their specific knowledge and experience in ocean management. This dataset represents a unique source of information for advancing research about monitoring and assessment of the achievement of sustainable development goals that encompasses different types of ABMTs.

The combined use of satellite-derived environmental data and a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model to determine Pacific oyster growth potential was adapted for the South African marine environment. Study areas consisted of the West Coast (high-chlorophyll, low temperature) and the South Coast (variable chlorophyll, higher temperature) ecoregions. Chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used to simulate yearly growth for 18 years. Average growth performance at the end of the culture period was mapped and compared for prominent sectors. Industry-relevant growth indicators, "days to reach commercial weight" and "optimal culture period length" were also established. High growth potential was found in eastern nearshore sectors of the South Coast, particularly Plettenberg Bay, where oysters reached a median total weight (TW) of 271 g within 9 months. Other sectors in the region yielded Large commercial size within 150 days. However, South Coast growth hotspots were found to be highly variable, with transient unfavourable growth conditions leading to low flesh mass relative to TW. Growth potential was favourable in northern sectors of the West Coast, where oysters reached a median TW of up to 148 g in 9 months, Large commercial size within 200 days, and contained high flesh mass relative to TW. Current oyster production sites were not found to be optimal for growth. Higher-growth sites coincide with areas in economic decline or with high levels of poverty. However, due to constraints of applying DEB models over large spatial scales, these results are considered preliminary and await in situ verification, as well as a spatial multi-criteria analysis, before investment and development.

Truly sustainable development in a human-altered, fragmented marine environment subject to unprecedented climate change, demands informed planning strategies in order to be successful. Beyond a simple understanding of the distribution of marine species, data describing how variations in spatio-temporal dynamics impact ecosystem functioning and the evolution of species are required. Marine Functional Connectivity (MFC) characterizes the flows of matter, genes and energy produced by organism movements and migrations across the seascape. As such, MFC determines the ecological and evolutionary interdependency of populations, and ultimately the fate of species and ecosystems. Gathering effective MFC knowledge can therefore improve predictions of the impacts of environmental change and help to refine management and conservation strategies for the seas and oceans. Gathering these data are challenging however, as access to, and survey of marine ecosystems still presents significant challenge. Over 50 European institutions currently investigate aspects of MFC using complementary methods across multiple research fields, to understand the ecology and evolution of marine species. The aim of SEA-UNICORN, a COST Action within the European Union Horizon 2020 framework programme, is to bring together this research effort, unite the multiple approaches to MFC, and to integrate these under a common conceptual and analytical framework. The consortium brings together a diverse group of scientists to collate existing MFC data, to identify knowledge gaps, to enhance complementarity among disciplines, and to devise common approaches to MFC. SEA-UNICORN will promote co-working between connectivity practitioners and ecosystem modelers to facilitate the incorporation of MFC data into the predictive models used to identify marine conservation priorities. Ultimately, SEA-UNICORN will forge strong forward-working links between scientists, policy-makers and stakeholders to facilitate the integra

In small islands, the potential for new coastal activities and management options are often spatially limited. To reduce dependence on external factors and increase the resilience of populations to global changes and fluctuations in international markets, a recommended pathway is to diversify activities. We used a systematic prioritization tool with single and multiobjective zoning to explore the feasibility of scenarios at various levels of spatial diversification in the Gambier lagoon (French Polynesia), where black pearl culture is economically and spatially dominant. Local managers are committed to economic, livelihood, and environmental sustainability and agree that prioritizing both artisanal fisheries, which provide local food security, and ecosystem conservation should also be considered. Diversification options included the optimized reallocation of farming concessions and the identification of different types of conservation areas while taking into account traditional management areas. The scenarios were set to minimize surface areas and loss of access to existing fishing grounds. The solutions were compared between the scenarios with different cost metrics, allowing further discussions with stakeholders and managers. The Gambier case study shows that exploring diversification options in small islands using systematic prioritization tools can provide local managers with tailor-made plans adapted to island development questions

Designing conservation networks requires a well-structured framework for achieving essential objectives such as connectivity, replication or viability, and for considering local management and socioeconomic stakes. Although systematic conservation planning (SCP) approaches are increasingly used to inform such networks, their application remains challenging in large and poorly researched areas. This is especially the case in the deep sea, where SCP has rarely been applied, although growing awareness of the vulnerability of deep-sea ecosystems urges the implementation of conservation measures from local to international levels. This study aims to structure and evaluate a framework for SCP applicable to the deep sea, focusing on the identification of conservation priority networks for vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), such as cold-water coral reefs, sponge grounds, or hydrothermal vents, and for key demersal fish species. Based on multi-objective prioritization, different conservation scenarios were investigated, allowing the impact of key elements such as connectivity and conservation cost to be evaluated. Our results show that continental margin slopes, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and deeper areas of large and productive shelves housing fishing grounds appeared as crucial zones for preserving the deep-sea biodiversity of the North Atlantic, and within the limitations imposed by the data available, of the Mediterranean. Using biologically-informed connectivity led to a more continuous and denser conservation network, without increasing the network size. Even when minimizing the overlap with socioeconomic activities, the inclusion of exploited areas was necessary to fulfil conservation objectives. Such areas included continental shelf fishing grounds for demersal fish species, and areas covered by deep-sea mining exploration contracts for hydrothermal vent communities. Covering 17% of the study area and protecting 55% of each feature on average, the identified priority

The development of spatial planning and management approaches is required to increase the space available for aquaculture production and to support the increasing global demand for food resources. During a European funded project, a large consultation exercise highlighted that stakeholder involvement is a necessity for successful planning and must be a continuous process as part of the development of a decision-making tool. In this study we present a decision support tool built on a web based dynamic interface to Geographic Information Systems which facilitates access to information related to site selection, environmental interactions and management in aquaculture. It is derived from the AkvaVis concept and uses interactive functions that instantly display the results of spatial parameters chosen by the user. We adapted the tool for use within four case studies which deal with very different scales of aquaculture and issues related to aquaculture in four different countries. The key strengths of our tools relate to their capacity to manage and display spatial data from different sources in a transparent way, the ability to use and display a series of built-in indicators, and the long-term development potential made possible by the maintenance strategy of the tools, services and data depository. Consultations and meetings provided an accurate view of stakeholder expectations as well as feedback on the tool development and applicability, therefore helping the tool to meet the prerequisite for operational decision-making tools.

In recent decades, scientists and practitioners have increasingly focused on identifying and codifying the best ways to manage activities in marine systems, leading to the development and implementation of concepts such as the social-ecological systems approach, ecosystem-based management, integrated management, marine spatial planning, participatory co-management, and the precautionary approach. To date, these concepts appear as separate entities: they have parallel literature streams; have been applied most often individually in attempts to improve governance and management; and in many ways, seem to be competing for attention. This patchwork of approaches may be hindering effective ocean governance. We propose that desirable features from these frameworks could be woven together to form the basis of more effective and equitable ocean governance arrangements across contexts, sectors, and scales. This article synthesizes the efforts of an IMBeR (Integrated Marine Biosphere Research Project) conference session and working group, that brought together experts in these diverse concepts with the objective of producing a synthesis of how they could be more effectively integrated for improved ocean sustainability outcomes. We reviewed and compared the concepts in terms of (a) the need to achieve a comprehensive suite of sustainability objectives, (b) similarities and differences in their scope, and (c) their place in practical management, policy and regulation. Achieving greater cross-sectoral integration, or a more holistic perspective on management for sustainability is at the core of each concept. All deal with aspects of governance and most, with improved participation in governance. The major differences in the origin and historical application of each concept are reflected in the degree of implicit or explicit focus given to different objectives of sustainability. Overall, the concepts are especially strong for ecological and institutional or governance considerati

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are useful conservation tools for balancing the complex social-ecological interactions and demands within a given marine area. Often designing, reviewing, and assessing existing MPAs can be a complicated task often based on patchy ecological data, biases towards certain stakeholder groups, and static snapshots of current information. Taking a social-ecological resilience approach, this study has developed an innovative way of using fuzzy-set multi-criteria evaluations in GIS modelling to integrate existing ecological data for a marine area with information from a diverse set of stakeholders to gain an understanding of the overlaps between social and ecological assets within an MPA. Adaptive management frameworks were considered by exploring stakeholder feedback in regards to the current spatial plan and using a social-ecological spatially informed Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) analysis to create a current snapshot of the MPA’s vulnerability. The BBN was then used to predict how climate change may affect sensitive habitats and demonstrates the increase of vulnerability for both habitats and marine species when allowing fishing pressure to occur across the entire MPA. A series of decision-making maps were created that integrated all of this information. Using this current and predicted social-ecological spatial information about an MPA, can assist decision-makers and the local community by giving them the tools to make informed decisions about how to better design an MPA that meets and supports long-term social-ecological resilience.

In recent decades, scientists and practitioners have increasingly focused on identifying and codifying the best ways to manage activities in marine systems, leading to the development and implementation of concepts such as the social-ecological systems approach, ecosystem-based management, integrated management, marine spatial planning, participatory co-management, and the precautionary approach. To date, these concepts appear as separate entities: they have parallel literature streams; have been applied most often individually in attempts to improve governance and management; and in many ways, seem to be competing for attention. This patchwork of approaches may be hindering effective ocean governance. We propose that desirable features from these frameworks could be woven together to form the basis of more effective and equitable ocean governance arrangements across contexts, sectors, and scales. This article synthesizes the efforts of an IMBeR (Integrated Marine Biosphere Research Project) conference session and working group, that brought together experts in these diverse concepts with the objective of producing a synthesis of how they could be more effectively integrated for improved ocean sustainability outcomes. We reviewed and compared the concepts in terms of (a) the need to achieve a comprehensive suite of sustainability objectives, (b) similarities and differences in their scope, and (c) their place in practical management, policy and regulation. Achieving greater cross-sectoral integration, or a more holistic perspective on management for sustainability is at the core of each concept. All deal with aspects of governance and most, with improved participation in governance. The major differences in the origin and historical application of each concept are reflected in the degree of implicit or explicit focus given to different objectives of sustainability. Overall, the concepts are especially strong for ecological and institutional or governance considerati

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a relatively new approach to ocean management and has been widely implemented worldwide. Ideally, MSP should be established as a public process that analyzes and distributes human activities across space and time to achieve ecological, economic and social goals, which historically have been accomplished exclusively in the political arena. However, in most cases MSP seems to be driven primarily by economic interests rather than by sociocultural goals. In this paper, we discuss how integrating the missing sociocultural layers into MSP can help to reduce governance rigidity, promote adaptability in decision-making, support environmental justice, and improve MSP acceptance and uptake. In particular, we focus on identifying possible points of connection between MSP and frameworks based on social-ecological system theory, including co-management and other democratic and empowering alternatives. We conclude by proposing a new definition of the MSP process that is more inclusive, and mindful of users’ rights and sociocultural objectives. If we bridge the gap between the dominant economic rhetoric and a de facto sociocultural-ecological system approach, we are likely to improve the chances of the MSP process succeeding on both the human and nature fronts.

Designing conservation networks requires a well-structured framework for achieving essential objectives such as connectivity, replication or viability, and for considering local management and socioeconomic stakes. Although systematic conservation planning (SCP) approaches are increasingly used to inform such networks, their application remains challenging in large and poorly researched areas. This is especially the case in the deep sea, where SCP has rarely been applied, although growing awareness of the vulnerability of deep-sea ecosystems urges the implementation of conservation measures from local to international levels. This study aims to structure and evaluate a framework for SCP applicable to the deep sea, focusing on the identification of conservation priority networks for vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), such as cold-water coral reefs, sponge grounds, or hydrothermal vents, and for key demersal fish species. Based on multi-objective prioritization, different conservation scenarios were investigated, allowing the impact of key elements such as connectivity and conservation cost to be evaluated. Our results show that continental margin slopes, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and deeper areas of large and productive shelves housing fishing grounds appeared as crucial zones for preserving the deep-sea biodiversity of the North Atlantic, and within the limitations imposed by the data available, of the Mediterranean. Using biologically-informed connectivity led to a more continuous and denser conservation network, without increasing the network size. Even when minimizing the overlap with socioeconomic activities, the inclusion of exploited areas was necessary to fulfil conservation objectives. Such areas included continental shelf fishing grounds for demersal fish species, and areas covered by deep-sea mining exploration contracts for hydrothermal vent communities. Covering 17% of the study area and protecting 55% of each feature on average, the identified priority

The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) INSPIRE data model concept has been developing from 2014, applying Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE) data management concepts for marine planning, through the Marine Pilot project (EC Joint Research Centre 2014-2016) and continuing with the PLASMAR project (INTERREG–V 2017-2020). The results and findings delivered have been published in the paper “Maritime spatial planning supported by infrastructure for spatial information in Europe (INSPIRE)” (Abramic et al., 2018). Currently, there are difficulties in harmonising products, visions, maps and frameworks of maritime spatial plans delivered by countries sharing the same marine (sub)region. This is mainly due to the fact that maritime plans do not use a common symbology and data structure to describe maritime activities. A solution for this issue is to apply on a marine spatial plans, INSPIRE standards for data sets, layers and portrayals. The MarSP project was a perfect opportunity to finalise conceptual data model development and, what is more important, to test results applying it on the real use cases, developed in the Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, Canaries) MSP process. Initially, the INSPIRE data model for terrestrial planning (Planned Land Use, Figure 1) was tested to see if it could be applied for MSP. Tests pointed out that the terrestrial data model is robust, and can map MSP’s, but it tends to lose detail and specific information on marine uses. To be applied for MSP, the Planned Land Use data model needs to be adapted for planning of the maritime activities in the marine space. Conceptual model was analyzed, adapted, applying data modeling techniques, adjusting for MSP requirements: 1. Developed conceptual MSP data model, extending Planned Land use, using Unified Model Language (Figure 2); 2. Extending spatial scope of the data model - from two-dimensional land planning to the three dimensions planning. Extended structure incl