Marine spatial planning for sustainable fisheries and resource conservation

Abstract

In this study, MSP is proposed as a policy instrument required to realize sustainable fisheries management and integrated conservation of resources as maritime applications and demands grow. The lack of regulation leads to intersectoral management of ocean use, resulting in severe destruction of marine ecosystems. MSP is an intersectoral, place based, and holistic process for allocating marine space and time to competing human uses, with ecological, economic, and social goals. Our contribution provides an international perspective on the advancement and implementation of MSP. It addresses its use to incorporate fisheries and conservation efforts, such as the selection strategies for MPAs and Fishery Refugia. Then we trace what we consider as significant formative steps of the process that include a) a strong stakeholder involvement; b) incorporation of the current diverse datasets into a GIS; and c) the preparation of dynamic zoning plans. The conceptual framework, which emphasizes advanced spatial analyses and the use of VMS data to map key fish habitats and areas of high conflict, is also proposed in this study. This is because the effective process of integrating a planning approach with the motivation of an EBA can enhance ocean governance, long-term food security, and the resilience of coastal communities to global stressors.