Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management
Summary
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) represent complementary frameworks for governing the marine environment in a holistic manner. MSP provides a structured process to allocate space for human activities—such as fishing, shipping, renewable energy and conservation areas—through mapping, zoning and stakeholder consultation. EBM extends this by emphasising the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function, recognising the interdependence of species, habitats and human uses. Together, these approaches move beyond single-sector regulation towards integrated, place-based governance that is adaptive, evidence-driven and participatory. Key elements include cross-sectoral coordination, robust data collection and monitoring, iterative decision-making to respond to changing conditions, and engagement of local communities and resource users. Globally, MSP and EBM underpin commitments to sustain fisheries, protect marine biodiversity and enhance resilience to climate change, while accommodating emerging demands for offshore energy, recreation and transport.
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Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): A process for organising human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives through mapping, zoning and stakeholder engagement.
Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM): An integrated approach that considers entire ecosystems—including human dimensions—to maintain health, function and resilience of marine environments.
Adaptive Management: A structured, iterative cycle of decision making, monitoring and adjustment to respond to new information or changing conditions.
Stakeholder Engagement: The active involvement of all relevant parties—government, industry, local communities and non-governmental organisations—in planning and decision-making.
Good Environmental Status (GES): A policy target denoting a healthy marine ecosystem characterised by biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and minimal anthropogenic impacts.
References
- The Marine Spatial Planning Index: a tool to guide and assess marine spatial planning. npj Ocean Sustainability (2023).
- Towards a collaborative stakeholder engagement pathway to increase ocean sustainability related to marine spatial planning in developing coastal states. Environmental Challenges (2024).
- Marine spatial planning in reality: Introduction to case studies and discussion of findings. Marine Policy (2016).
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