Fig. 4: A 5-stage framework representing a theoretical marine spatial planning process.

Each stage is divided into specific and “operationalizable” sub-stages, providing the framework to allocate the statements representing specific actions and tasks to be adopted during the planning process to ensure alignment with identified ecosystem-based approach (EBA) principles. Adapted from Altvater et al. 79, Piet et al.29 and Strosser et al.80.