Integrating climate change in ocean planning.

Abstract:

The acceleration of global warming and increased vulnerability of marine social-ecological systems affect the benefits provided by the ocean. Spatial planning of marine areas is vital to balance multiple human demands and ensure a healthy ocean, while supporting global ocean goals. To thrive in a changing ocean though, marine spatial planning (MSP) must effectively integrate climate change. By reviewing existing literature on MSP and climate change, we explore the links between them and with ocean sustainability, highlight management challenges, and identify potential pathways to guide action towards the effective integration of climate impacts in MSP.

Sea Basin(s):

All sea basins

Year:

May 2020

Application in MSP:

Unknown effect

Sectors:

Not sector specific

Type of Issue:

Coexistence of uses

Economic aspects

Ecosystem-based approach

Environment aspects

Land-sea interactions

Resilience to climate change

Safety aspects

Social aspects

Type of practice:

Study

Stage of MSP cycle:

Vision and aims

Stocktake

Analyse spatial aspects

Cross-border / trans-national aspect:

Yes

Coherence with other processes:

Common Fisheries Policy

Habitats and Birds Directive

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Renewable Energy Directive

Key words:

Source / Links:

Frazão Santos, C., Agardy, T., Andrade, F. et al. Integrating climate change in ocean planning. Nat Sustain 3, 505–516 (2020).

QUESTIONS THIS PRACTICE MAY HELP ANSWER:

How can climate change be integrated in the MSP process?
How can MSP promote adaptation to climate change?

IMPLEMENTATION CONTEXT:

The study was conducted within the framework of the OCEANPLAN project (2018-2021), a research and development project on MSP and climate change.

ASPECTS / OBJECTIVES:

The study aims to identify the links between climate change and marine spatial planning, and to highlight how they are related to the ocean’s sustainability.

METHOD:

A literature review of MSP and climate change was conducted. Over 150 scientific publications were reviewed and analysed using the qualitative methods.

MAIN OUTPUTS / RESULTS:

The study highlights how climate change can be incorporated in the MSP process and what the future challenges of ocean sustainability are. It identifies the synergies between these three elements and provides recommendations for political consideration of climate change in MSP.

TRANSFERABILITY:

The practice is applicable to any marine spatial planning process.

Responsible Entity:

Marine and Environnemental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidad de Lisboa (Portugal).

Environmental Economics Knowledge Centre, Nova School of Busines and Economics, New University of Libon (Portugal).

Funding Source:

The research was conducted within the framework of the OCEANPLAN project funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.

Contact person:

Catarina Frazão Santos: cfsantos@fc.ul.pt